Elton John Slams Boycotting Artists at Israel Concert

By PopEater Staff Posted Jun 18th 2010 08:41AM

Another week, another provocative concert by Elton John. Fresh off a gig as Rush Limbaugh's wedding singer, the British icon performed Thursday in Tel Aviv, despite pressure from pro-Palestinian activists and fellow artists to boycott Israel following the flotilla debacle off the coast of Gaza.

"Shalom, we are so happy to be back here! Ain't nothing gonna stop us from coming, baby," John said with a fist in the air.

The piano man then took a swipe at those artists, including Elvis Costello, Santana, the Pixies and Devendra Banhart, who have bailed on concerts in recent weeks.

"Musicians spread love and peace, and bring people together. That's what we do," he said. "We don't cherry-pick our conscience."

Costello specifically called his decision to cancel a June 30 show a "matter of instinct and conscience."

As for the concert, the Jerusalem Post said John "turned into a human jukebox for two-and-a-half hours," mixing old and new favorites spanning his four decade career. Songs played included 'Levon,' Rocket Man' and more obscure hits like 'Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters' and 'Captain Fantastic.'

An estimated 50,000 fans crammed into Ramat Gan stadium in Tel Aviv.

John recently caused a stir when he played a secret show at Limbaugh's June 5 wedding. The gay icon caught some flack for the performance, which netted him a reported $1 million paycheck from the radio commentator, who strongly opposes gay marriage and has a history of negative comments about homosexuality.

"It betrays either ignorance or self-interest or both, and jeopardizes his admirable record on gay rights," Aaron Hicklin, Editor-in-Chief of Out, told PopEater at the time.

John's longtime partner, David Furnish, said the singer was "a little surprised" to get the invitation, but accepted the job after deciding "Life is about building bridges, not walls."

The singer said Limbaugh and his bride, Kathryn Rogers, "were incredibly gracious and very welcoming and very sweet and very appreciative."

Tags: elton john, Israel

Comments

(57)

Friday 18 June

By Rosie

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Good for Elton John! All those other artists who cancelled have known about Israel's dilemma for years. They never should have accepted the gigs in the first place! Is it publicity?

Monday 21 June

By Cliff

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Israel's dilemma? What dilemma would that be, I wonder. The Zionist occupation of Palestine has never been legitimate, and Elton John's support for it is unforgiveable- no intelligent adult can claim to be ignorant of the effects of the ongoing disaster for the Palestinians.

By jacob

Elton John has about as much social conscience as a jellyfish

By Jeannette Medoff

Finally, an artist and a man with a conscience and true understanding of being a world citizien. Either the other "artists' couldn't sell enough tickets of and/or they just have a palin ignorance of history. Thanks Elton - you are a true mensch!

By Sin D

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Way to build those bridges jacob...You don't deserve a biblical name BTW...you biggot

Elton John has as about as much social conscience as a jellyfish

By Glad2b1also

You are one of my favorite singers/preformers...Please consider doing a show at HERSHEY PARK,PA

By llessat

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I see his point. He knows that Rush is a sham and a showman and doesn't believe the crap he spouts on his show. Elton showed many that Rush is more tolerant and understands there is nothing wrong with being gay and it's normal, and will help other very right wingers say, "Hey, maybe we should understand that homosexuality is okay even if I don't get it. Rush says it is." Now, we just have to figure out a way for the hate on the air to not make money. Elton opens doors and garners exceptance so the next guy has a smoother road.

By Meli2012

Sir Elton John is right...build bridges not walls..ISRAEL will never be abandoned...Music speaks louder sometimes than actions that should be taking place in the name of Peace...

Good job Reggie! We love U!

By Rod G.

What's the problem. It's the American way. If Rush is willing to throw a million dollars on Elton to play a wedding concert, he'd be a fool to turn it down. Elton has picked up on the American customs very well since moving across the pond, and making money is numero uno in this country.

As far as playing in Israel. That's playing in God's country, and there can't be nothing wrong with that.

By yorktown1979

Now he needs to go to the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka Kansas and see if Rev. Phelps and his family are interested in "Building Bridges"! Most likely they would murder him given the extremity of their hatred for everyone including Our Troops! Perhaps Elton could drop a piano on them to keep them from protesting at military funerals?

By sally mauss

elton is a standup man we need more people like him go for it elton john

By Karen

Elton John is right on when he says some musicians cherry pick their conscience, so does Hollywood. Case in point...the Oil Spill.

By Steve

I applaud Sir. Elton! Maybe those throwing stones should check and see if Rush "suffered" any joking or ribbing for having a gay singer. I agree that if we continue to close ourselves off then we will never reach true diversity. What if we only waited for the other person to stick out their hand in a handshake to make friends?

By anon

Agree. Unfortunately there are some who really dont want the human race to evolve; true tolerance and equality would take away their power as the victim (individual or group). I applaud both Elton and RL for seeing past the insanity.

By FlexSF

Elton John isn't my favorite entertainer; however, he should be honest with his critics. If he would, at least, admit that he'll do anything for money, everyone would understand. I think the Pope, Mormon elders, and Rick Warren, are disgusting humans, but if they paid me 1 million dollars to execute a service, I would do it in a flash.

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You sound more disgusting than any of the others.

By David

I totally agree FlexSF. The Bible clearly says there is but ONE man between God and man, that being the Lord Jesus Christ. When the high priest rent his garment then his order was abolished forever (leviticus law) and Jesus stepped in as the new high priest.
The mormons do not even believe in the deity of Christ, bad mistake.
Rick Warren has gotten rich with his watered-down religion. Please add Joel Osteen to that list, I get sick of seeing him smile.

By Murray

I hardly think Sir Elton needed the money.

By hitman

Who cares what has he done for anyone at all, I am a recording artist and in need of help in genre of r&b and he has never helped me

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