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 hibuyamerican

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You repukes are such hypocrites

By ANNE

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WHEN MONEY TALKS THEIR GAYNESS WALKS

EJ sucks anyway both figuratively and literally

By Will in Tampa

Wow, Elton John played at Rush Limbaugh's wedding, what's next Barbra Streisand performing at an American Nazi Party Banquet or Patti LaBelle stripping at a Klan Rally? Shame on you Elton!!!!!

I can just see Carl Rove going around humping everyones legs

By Hi, Angel!

Isn't it kind of a healing thing that Elton played there? Understanding between people inevitably leads to a dissolution of prejudice. Perhaps this is one of the best things to happen to gay rights for a conservative to feel the love for a gay. These kneejerk reactions seem a bit shortsighted.

By Kat2988

Elton did not support Obama at all for your info dummies, he supported Hillary, I think you can be friends with someone even if they are not in your political party children.....did you know that! Geez, get a grip on yourselves!

Tuesday 08 June

By citnik

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

First, you got a lot nerve calling anyone a dummy. You think people can be friends with other people from different political parties -No #### Sherlock!! The obvious is- people are being critical of him accepting a paycheck from a bigot -not merely someone who has a difference of opinion or a different political party

By sea

Where did it say he was donating this money?
Forgiving is wonderful if someone repents and/or is sorry but Rush isn't.
Elton has lowered himself beyond redemption on this one unless he does donate this money.

As a staunch tea baggin conservative republican I say Rush YOUR BANISHED from our party forever

By michele

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Repukes?? Brilliant wordplay. I dare say the Dumocraps are the hipocrates!! FOOL!!

Liberals act like conservatives don't like gays and I really think it's the other way around, I love Elton and congrats to Rush, sounded like a great party!

By Yea, I'll Slap Ya SILLY .....

Obviously, Elton John was just doing BUSINESS with Limbaugh ... Some of you "special" people with curious habits need to LIGHTEN UP .. Mow a lawn or suck on some walnuts ... ..... ......

By Rob Dean

Elton John has lost my respect period! I used to think he stood up people who were unfair about important matters of this world. Has he ever wonder what Rush has said about AIDs?

He sold his soul for money. I loved Elton Johns music since 1970's, wow I now can save a few bucks by not buying any more of his recordings. YES YES this is THAT BAD a thing.

Rush has said terrible things about good people, I for one can not forget those things. And now Elton John has "basically slept with the enemy now".

Rob

By Patrick

GEEEE. Maybe it is because Rush Limbaugh likes Elton Johns music? What a concept. You don't have to agree with lifestyle choices to enjoy the music or many wouldn't listen to the music put out by the druggies and "I'll screw anyone "crowd.

By Rick

Fudge packers unite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By sieben13

ELTON You should have charged that Drug addict 2 million

By Karen Lyles

Go Elton....Thank you for the great music and I think doing the gig was good....no matter what our political beliefs...we ALL LOVE ELTON !!!! I think more of him now than ever...think I'll go buy all the CD's I don't have....which isn't very many...I lOVE ELTON

By mark

You sound so Hetero-phobic! I have been listening to Rush since 1989 and have NEVER heard him say ANYthing Homophobic.(Whose scared of gays anyway?)

By J Lea

Maybe the guy needed a couple extra bucks ever think of that?

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