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 librarylady

Vote down Vote up Report this

I LOVE your idea. But maybe he could give half to LGBT groups and half to the DNC.
The person who said both Elton and Rush are entertainers had it right. And to entertainers, there's no such thing as bad publicity.

By ralonne

"Jusitn Long, Mike White In Gay Marriage Video"

Jusitn? Dayum, Popeater needs a new proofreader BAAAAAAAAAD

By mimsysc

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I doubt Elton John gives a rats butt what anyone thinks,,,, he does what he wants, and he has made out fine. Get over it.

Tuesday 08 June

By Joette Bailey

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I agree with you totally. Elton is a performer and gets paid to do it. It was business. Personally, I would puke if I had to be in the same room with Rush, but maybe Elton just does his job, puts the money in his pocket and goes home. NOT OUR BUSINESS WHAT HE DOES!!!!

By Men in Gray

Finger UP!
He-he-he...

By Lori walker

Rush never said he hated Gays You racist/ homo phobics He never said he hag anything but respect He has gay friends He and Sean Hannity were there listening to Elton The media lies to you fish and you believe it all

By Nick Mayor

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

What part of this story is fictionalized? You conservatives are so delusional and live in world of convenient fantasy. Elton John is an Uncle Tom and he should be ashamed of himself. There is no defending this horrid act.

By Lonnie

"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."XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
SO THAT means the lgbt will not accept it huh? YEAH RIGHT!!! Don't kid yourself.

By garry

Why is everyone on Elton's butt... I am mad at Rush for letting a homo play his wedding !!!!!

By AJ

Elton didn't seem to have a problem with it so why should anyone else? It's his business whatever he does or does not choose to do. If Rush hated gay people why would he have invited him? It's true that gays act like they are so tolerant, but when things don't go their way I've noticed they sure get bent out of shape!

By rotondojrr

I hope Limbaughs wedding fails!!!!

This is the ultimate post. Could not have said it better. Good on you.

By PT

GOOD GRIEF!!! Is there not more important things that we can pay attention to? Maybe the whole Rush Limbaugh; Elton John ordeal is over analyzed...Hmmmm...food for thought...for those of you who actually think.

By Glenn

Well tyrebitre, i have no doubts about Rush's heterosexuality. He is definately straight. I'm just confused as to why he would have a very prominent gay man sing at his wedding. He could have easily found a straight singer. I suppose i'll have to tune in to his show to find out the answer. Maybe he did it to shock the liberals, like Barney Frank.

By Coleen

Or could it be that money can buy you love and a great entertainer?

By mimi

who gives a rat's azz. he's still a pathetic sell-out. what's he booked for next...anne coulter's annual summer hate crimes bar-b-que??

By jon

did you narrow minded people just think that he was there for his music and not his sexuality ,get over it

By Saul Alinsky

You fruitcakes are really mad.....ooh spank your life partners butt and scream like a wild banchi

By TedH

Just because we can never be together again doesn't mean you have to vent like this. There will NEVER be another you. We'll always have Newark. Enjoy your 'alone time'.

By tmar148

There could be another reason. I saw the pictures of
Rush and Elton. Looks like big brother and little brother.
Who knows?

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