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)

Tuesday 08 June

By sfc334

Vote down Vote up Report this

The 2 of them are equally evil, plain n simple.

By chtuna1

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

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 Charlie

By Richard Cahill

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I guess people are not allowed to do want they want in this world anymore,you people are beyond belief.Get off your soapboxes people need the wood.

By snowmassey

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

For an ultra-conservative old Rush sure loves the
rock & role life style.
Nothing but sex and drugs and rock and role for the
biggest hypocrite in history.

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

it makes perfect sense that limbaugh would have elton john
at his wedding.
a homosexual performing for a pedofile drug addict

By SouthernMan

"The wages of sin is death". Nuff said.

By Len

Jesus never had even one word to say about homosexuality. There are 5 places in the New Testament, however, where he condemns divorce. Guess the Bible-thumping, conservative Rush missed those.

By michem55

bgs -- I couldn't agree with you more. These people are all upset at Rush because they think he is intolerant ... so they want Elton to be intolerant as well?!?! Perhaps Elton is just a bigger man. Knowing him, he probably did donate much of the money to a charity! Kudos, John, for being such a wonderful, kind, and understanding human being!!
What ever happened to "love your fellow man" ??

By Janet

It just goes to show what hypocrits the libs are. They scream out for socialism and spreading the wealth while they continue to earn their money from good ole capitalism. It looks to me like Rush got twice as much for his money.....Good entertainment and proving his point about entertainers who preach socialism.

By tuffpaw

Maybe Elton would rather build bridges between people with opposing ideas than fences between so that they never get along. Do your homework, Elton has donated hundreds of millions of dollars and hours to worthy humanitarian causes. If that's socialism, sign me up.

By rich

Can someone say Tolerance! Geez, and I thought the left was so "enlightened"
Does it ALWAYS have to be US against THEM
How sad in 2010......just sad!

By Mrs Sonya Parker

He has a cat.
His house is decorated like the Palace at Versaille.
He has a repetoir of gay jokes.
He just purchased his 4th "beard"
Elton John played at his wedding.
Rush Limbaugh is gay to the 10th power.

By Lilith

If he donates the money to AIDS research, as I read somewhere, then I say this was an example of "the end justifying the means".

By shf

I was at the wedding, and EJ was fabulous! The guests were thrilled to have him there; people were up and dancing it was amazing. To credit Sir Elton, he said he is "not for creating walls, but for building bridges." The bride and groom appreciated him taking the chance(on the negative publicity)of being the surprise entertainment. Sir Elton was kind enough to extend an invitation for the couple to join him and his partner should they visit England. He was gracious, wonderful, and amazing! It was truly memorable. Kudos to Elton John for putting aside political differences to help a couple celebrate their marriage!!!!

To Shf, Who wouldn't put aside their political beliefs for a million bucks???!!!! You must have had a blast at the event!

By rob

Rush is not anti-gay. He does not want the government intuding on people's lives. He is only gay marriage.

If this turns you off from being an Elton fan, you never were a true fan to begin with ...

By j

Who really cares? Both are idiots. Money is the name of the game.

By sue

i an proud of both men - it shows that neither is a bigot - which is what equal rights is all about.

those who are shaming either man have an agenda

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