Elton John Not Feeling the Love After Playing Rush Limbaugh's Wedding

By Marc Schneider Posted Jun 7th 2010 11:59PM

It's not clear what's more shocking about Rush Limbaugh's weekend wedding: A) That it happened at all -- four marriages! -- or B) That the conservative firebrand was able to coax gay icon Elton John to perform at the reception. Given Limbaugh's past insensitive statements about homosexuals and his outspoken opposition to gay marriage, the LGBT community is none too pleased with Sir Elton, who according to widespread reports was paid $1 million to tickle the ivory at the radio host's marriage to Kathryn Rogers on Saturday night.

While GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has declined PopEater's request for comment on the matter, incensed readers and editors of The Advocate and Out Magazine, not to mention gay-centric blogs, have already begun unleashing on the singer.

"I'm flabbergasted," Aaron Hicklin, Editor-in-Chief of Out, tells us. "It betrays either ignorance or self-interest or both, and jeopardizes his admirable record on gay rights."

Readers across the spectrum have been equally critical of John, who is in a civil union with his longtime partner, David Furnish.

"What a pathetic excuse for a human being, and I'm talking about Elton John," sniped an Advocate reader named Liam. "SHAME ON YOU ELTON."

Another reader, the_real_sweedie, was even more blunt, saying "This is such a hypocritical thing to do. It just shows that anyone can be bought, regardless of how much integrity one loses. He doesn't care about the gay culture at all, it's very clear here."

Other guests at Limbaugh's wedding, held at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, included actor-politician Fred Thompson, FOX News host Sean Hannity and former NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. A set list has not been leaked, but one can assume hits like 'Bennie and the Jets' and 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' were played.

On his wildly popular radio show, Limbaugh usually reserves his barbs for Democrats, environmentalists and all things liberal. But on occasion, the 59-year-old entertainer has brought homosexuality into the mix.

He once called openly gay Congressman Barney Frank a "banking Queen," and said Democrats will "bend over, grab their ankles, and say, 'Have your way with me" in order to ensure the support of gay voters. Other nuggets: "When a gay person turns his back on you, it is anything but an insult; it's an invitation" ... "The difference between Los Angeles and yogurt is that yogurt comes with less fruit."

Queerty.com, a popular gay blog, lashed out at the 'Rocket Man' for accepting "bloody money" from Limbaugh.

"It will be Rush who writes out the check to Elton for the seven-figure sum; money that, let's all face, Elton doesn't really need," the site writes. "And even if his intention was to donate the cash to a LGBT youth group, it's already bloody money, and tainted."

Village Voice columnist Michael Musto flat-out called John a "whore" during an appearance Monday night on 'Countdown With Keith Olbermann.'

This isn't the first time John has cozied up to someone perceived to be a touch homophobic. His duet with Eminem at the 2001 Grammy Awards turned heads and led to a long friendship between the pair.

Whether John's fans will exit in droves because of the wedding gig remains to be seen. But for one Advocate reader, the damage was done.

"Elton's discs just left my shelf. No more," writes D from Raleigh. "Rush is a boil on the ass of humanity and Elton just licked it!"

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Elton John Snapshots

Elton John performs in concert at The Frank Erwin Center on April 10 in Austin, Texas. Check Out More Photos >>

Gary Miller/FilmMagic.com

FilmMagic.com

Elton John Snapshots

In this photo provided by Fox, Sir Elton John performs at "Idol Gives Back 2010" on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Vince Bucci/PictureGroup/Fox) ** MANDATORY PHOTO CREDIT **

Elton John Snapshots

In this photo provided by Fox, Sir Elton John performs at "Idol Gives Back 2010" on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark Davis/PictureGroup/Fox) ** MANDATORY PHOTO CREDIT **

Elton John Snapshots

FILE - In this Nov. 16, 2009 file photo, Elton John attends the Elton John AIDS foundation "An Enduring Vision" benefit, in New York. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer, file)

Elton John Snapshots

Elton John performs at the Sears Centre Arena on April 15, 2010 in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Elton John In Concert - April 15, 2010 Sears Centre Arena Hoffman Estates, IL United States April 15, 2010 Photo by Lyle A. Waisman/WireImage.com To license this image (60177377), contact WireImage.com

Elton John Snapshots

Musician/vocalist Sir Elton John (R) and musician Davey Johnstone perform in concert at The Frank Erwin Center on April 10, 2010 in Austin, Texas. Elton John In Concert - Austin, TX The Frank Erwin Center Austin, TX United States April 10, 2010 Photo by Gary Miller/FilmMagic.com To license this image (60126999), contact FilmMagic.com

Elton John Snapshots

Musician/vocalist Sir Elton John performs in concert at The Frank Erwin Center on April 10, 2010 in Austin, Texas. Elton John In Concert - Austin, TX The Frank Erwin Center Austin, TX United States April 10, 2010 Photo by Gary Miller/FilmMagic.com To license this image (60126974), contact FilmMagic.com

Elton John Snapshots

Tags: elton john, rush limbaugh

Comments

(133)

Monday 07 June

By dan

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Tuesday 08 June

By BTDT

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Ethics are situational, especially when a million bucks is involved.

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

It doesn't matter what side you stand on this issue.

Remember, they are BOTH Entertainers 1st.

Their main goal is to be water cooler fodder.

Friday 11 June

By Choyce2020

No one said Elton had to have our permission to play any venue. It is just that Rush has a very poor reputation for helping to cause problems rather than being a part of the solution. Elton you sold yourself out this time...not a good move IMHO.

By cilantro1944

What a great way to encourage Mr. Limbaugh to get to know someone gay--Elton John is a brave one and deserves our applause.

By Glenn

Why would Rush have EJ there, when he has conservative views? Doesn't make sense. Maybe Rush isn't as conservative as i thought. And...he should have been proud he was getting married, not trying to keep it quiet. Like a celeb wedding would have been quiet anyway. Wonder if there's a pre-nup?

By tyrebitre

"By Glenn

Maybe Rush isn't as conservative as i thought."

And maybe, just maybe, Rush isn't as heterosexual as you thought.

By Soph

Well, if you'll remember, Rush did take along a very large supply of Viagara on a "boys only" getaway a few years back.

Thursday 10 June

By mas2

Maybe he just likes Elton's music. Anyone ever think of that!

By kt

the great thing about the US is the one chooses what they want. If Elton chooses to make a million dollars selling his soul, I also get the opportunity of choosing if I want to support Elton by buying his new album or attending a concert. My 10 or 100 dollars wont be missed much, double that if you include my partner, but should the trend catch on......

By Aften

I totally agree! This is how Elton John and others make a living. I, for one, am sick and tired of hearing about someone's sexual choice. I get physically sick to my stomach when I hear about guy on guy or girl on girl. Why does it have to be slammed in my face??? I don't go around telling people that I love the opposite sex...why must I EVER hear that someone likes the same sex??? Especially when it makes me so violently ill????

By maria

Well said...I was hoping the same thing!

By Lily

I'm very conservative and absolutely love Elton John, have been a huge fan for years. I personally am happy he has someone in his life to love and a partner that makes him happy. I think that as much as some people want to brand conservatives all haters...maybe they need to look in the mirror first. Rock on Elton, and Congratulations Rush and new wife... long and happy lives Elton, David, Rush and the new Mrs. Limbaugh. Oh by the way, tossing away his CD's only hurts you, he has already dontated the money you spent on them to countless charities.

By Elizabeth Howard

Good for you!!! finally someone with a brain!

By Michele

I bet your a teabagger. You and Elton both. FOOL!!

No Michelle, I am just a nice person... I bet that is something you simply cannot understand.

By Charlie

with all the real problems going on right now, i think all this pent up hate should be directed at BP and our government in response to the oil spill.

Who cares what Rush and Elton do, they both can do what they want. They have a right to invite each other to anything. I personally disagree with gay lifestyle but I have lots of gay friends and co-workers, I dont care who they hang with its ther lives.

By zorobabelj

rush limpbug already destroyed the republican party, know he wants to destroy the the homosexuals to?

By halfmoon

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Hey Zorro: Perhaps Limbaugh disagrees with Homosexula marriages, but he seems to be more tolerant that the kooks that condemn him and Elton..Elton has never been for "gay marriage." He thinks it to be unnecessary with "civil unions" being offered.
You got to get the chorus under control ! They go beserk if anyone challenges their lifestyle ! We have a right to question what is so intriguing about another guys behind ? They must stop raising up their ugly heads and bashing everyone who finds their hedonistic lifestyle repugnant..

By Steve

I suspect that alot of conservatives are Elton John fans. Liberals are so hateful that they are trashing Elton John for making a living entertaining. If this was a wedding for a big liberal and conservatives objected would anyone write a story about it. The reality is only 20% of Americans identify themselves as liberal yet we have the liberals running the country right now and they show NO tolerance for anyone not marching to thier beat. Guess what libs? In November we are taking back our country and I hope when a Republican President gets elected in 2012 he or she invites Elton John to sing at the inagural ball.

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