Elton John Disses Madonna

[Dr. Jazz]

From eonline.com:

Rocket Man Disses Material Girl

by Sarah Hall



Elton John seems to think it's gonna be a long, long time before he attends another Madonna concert.

The Rocket Man voiced his negative opinion of the Material Girl during the British Q Awards in London Monday, where he was accepting a songwriting award and she was nominated for Best Live Act.

"Anyone who lip-synchs in public on stage when you pay 75 pounds ($134) to see them should be shot," John griped from the stage in reference to Madonna's recent re-Invention Tour.

"Madonna, best [expletive deleted] live act? [Expletive deleted] off," the singer said before an audience of about 400. "Since when has lip-synching been live?"

"That's me off her [expletive deleted] Christmas card list but do I give a toss? No."

John was likely gratified that Madonna wound up losing the category to British rockers, Muse.

The outburst inspired a rapid response from Madonna, through her spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg.

"Madonna does not lip-synch nor does she spend her time trashing other artists," Rosenberg said in a statement.

"She sang every note on her re-Invention Tour live and is not ashamed that she was well paid for her hard work."

Rosenberg also indicated that the "Like a Virgin" singer wasn't taking John's jabs too seriously.


"Elton John remains on her Christmas card list whether he is nice ... or naughty," she said.

No word as to whether he still rates a place on the Kabbalah holiday card list.

John's anti-Madonna statements mark his second public meltdown in recent weeks.

Last month, he exploded at paparazzi who mobbed him in a Taiwan airport before a performance in Taipei, calling them "rude, vile pigs."

The exchange was captured live by a Taiwanese cable channel and showed an outraged John clearing customs with his teeth clenched, muttering expletives. At his concert later, he told the audience that he meant every word he said and that the airport shutterbugs were the rudest people he had encountered anywhere in the world.

The volatile performer's new album, Peachtree Road, is slated for a November release and he resumes his Vegas show, Elton John: The Red Piano, this month at the Colosseum at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

[Kay Scarpetta]

A tad bit volatile, are we?

[Dean Winchester]

Elton's been bashing Madonna for years, what's new?

[Jrnygrl]

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
Elton's been bashing Madonna for years, what's new?

Exactly!!!!!:rolleyes: Old news! Been there done that!:rolleyes:

[Shine]

I know my response to this will cause a bit of a stir, so I will apolagize to all Madonna fans up front and remind you all that this is just my opinion. I think that Elton was in his proper place to "diss" Madonna. I like Madonna, I think some of her early albums were quite good, but she is really cut from the same cloth as your Britneys and you Christinas. Madonna has always been more about appearence then about music. When people see Madonna live they are going to see a fashion show, not a great musician. Now, Elton is a great musician, I think that he is in his place to belittle artists that lip synch. When a fan pays the sort of money that Madonna is asking for her concerts they dererve a real live show, not someone simply mouthing the words along to a recorded track being played over the PA. Madonna has always been more known for her image then her music.

[USTVFanFromUK]

How many times is he gonna diss her? Elton's one old queen. Probably jealous that Madonna got major buzz when her tour hit here whereas his got very little. This is the same Elton who called Madonna a no talent a few years back and then went on to work with her longtime producer Pat Leonard :rolleyes: :rolleyes:. Elton's probably doing it for publicity i.e. his rants in Asia a few weeks back.... he has a new album coming out soon too. Liz Rosenberg's (Madonna's spokesperson) response was classic though.

Liz: Madonna doesn't spend her time trashing other artists.

Rosenberg added: "Elton John remains on her Christmas card list where he is nice.... or naughty."

This is the same Elton John that dueted with boyband Blue last year...... who mime and are as talented as cheese melting

[USTVFanFromUK]

Originally posted by dukey
I know my response to this will cause a bit of a stir, so I will apolagize to all Madonna fans up front and remind you all that this is just my opinion. I think that Elton was in his proper place to "diss" Madonna. I like Madonna, I think some of her early albums were quite good, but she is really cut from the same cloth as your Britneys and you Christinas. Madonna has always been more about appearence then about music. When people see Madonna live they are going to see a fashion show, not a great musician. Now, Elton is a great musician, I think that he is in his place to belittle artists that lip synch. When a fan pays the sort of money that Madonna is asking for her concerts they dererve a real live show, not someone simply mouthing the words along to a recorded track being played over the PA. Madonna has always been more known for her image then her music.


I went to her concert this pass summer and she didn't lip anything. Sure some vocoders were added and I'm sure some parts were pre-recorded but she did sing and you could tell.

[Steve M.]

THANK YOU, ELTON! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

(Madonna is one of only two acts Elton John publicly criticized - the other was the Archies! :D :lol: )

[Steve M.]

Originally posted by Dr. Jazz
The outburst inspired a rapid response from Madonna, through her spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg.

"Madonna does not lip-synch nor does she spend her time trashing other artists," Rosenberg said in a statement.

"She sang every note on her re-Invention Tour live and is not ashamed that she was well paid for her hard work."

Rosenberg also indicated that the "Like a Virgin" singer wasn't taking John's jabs too seriously.

Both Madge and her spokesbitch should shut the :censored: up and let Elton have his say. Last time I checked, Britain is a free country too! Why do Madge and her fans insist on ridiculing anyone who dislikes her? She's worse than George W. Bush! :mad:

[Dean Winchester]

I think the only reason people are attacking Elton is because of some of the "talent" he's worked with before. He questions Madonna's singing skills, yet he's sung with Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson, and he is all anti-fluff music, yet he's done songs with boybands. It just is very inconsistant, it looks silly for him to trash Madonna when he's sung with Paula and Janet, neither of which are known for their vocal pipes either.

[Shine]

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
I think the only reason people are attacking Elton is because of some of the "talent" he's worked with before. He questions Madonna's singing skills, yet he's sung with Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson, and he is all anti-fluff music, yet he's done songs with boybands. It just is very inconsistant, it looks silly for him to trash Madonna when he's sung with Paula and Janet, neither of which are known for their vocal pipes either.

That is an intersting point. But it should be remembered that the Elton John of 2004 is not the same Elton John of 1974 when he was turning out his best work with albums like Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy. IMO Elton has not had a good album since The One in 1992. However, overall he rightfully regards himself as a more serious performer then Madonna.

[Steve M.]

Bear in mind that Elton has always been free of musical prejudice. He has said kind words about everyone from Neil Young to David Cassidy, from the Osmonds to the Sex Pistols, from Elvis Costello to Rick Astley. (And his opening act on his 1972 U.S. tour was Family! :) ) So if he despises someone for lacking musical talent, that artiste would have to be pretty bad!!

Think about it.

So let's see. . . . First he knocked the Archies, then. . . who was next? ;)

[vashti1999]

Originally posted by Steve M.
So if he despises someone for lacking musical talent, that artiste would have to be pretty bad!!

Think about it.

So let's see. . . . First he knocked the Archies, then. . . who was next? ;)

Seems like Elton was simply more upset about Madonna being nominated for a best live act award, lip-syncing and charging high-priced tickets than "despising" her for "lacking musical talent."

[MandieR1980]

Elton rules! I haven't liked Madonna since the 80's early 90's

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by Steve M.
Bear in mind that Elton has always been free of musical prejudice. He has said kind words about everyone from Neil Young to David Cassidy, from the Osmonds to the Sex Pistols, from Elvis Costello to Rick Astley. (And his opening act on his 1972 U.S. tour was Family! :) ) So if he despises someone for lacking musical talent, that artiste would have to be pretty bad!!

I know you dislike Madonna, but come on, that is some pretty deep hatred if you honestly think Paula Abdul has more musical talent.

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by webwarrior762004
Originally posted by Steve M.:
Both Madge and her spokesperson should shut the up and let
Elton have his say. Last time I checked, Britain is a free country too! Why do Madge and her fans insist on ridiculing anyone who dislikes her? She's worse than George W. Bush!


You know what TJ and Janice would say-NO POLITICS.

coming from the same person who replied to a post I made on another topic where I was talking about Mariah Carey having the #1 single of all time Billboardwise by responding with no mention about that, but instead because my signature trashes the concept of "gays for Bush". If anyone is breaking he no politics law, it's you.

[Janice]

Elton's a cranky man these days. Didn't he flip out recently over something else too. I don't think any entertainer should be publicly bashing others. A critique here and there is fine, but there's no need to get nasty.

[Dean Winchester]

I just hope Elton's next cd is any good. Songs From The West Coast was his best album in god knows how long. Plus, it was his first actual ROCK album in some time he got so AC in the 90's.

[Dean Winchester]

by the way, I remeber Elton bashing Michael Jackson a few years back, and he also said some stuff about Keith Richards back in the mid 90's. Madonna is far from the only major artist Elton's slammed.

[Shine]

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
by the way, I remeber Elton bashing Michael Jackson a few years back, and he also said some stuff about Keith Richards back in the mid 90's. Madonna is far from the only major artist Elton's slammed.

Actually Keith accused Elton of having some preoccupation with dead blond women.

[USTVFanFromUK]

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
I just hope Elton's next cd is any good. Songs From The West Coast was his best album in god knows how long. Plus, it was his first actual ROCK album in some time he got so AC in the 90's.

Yes, and didn't he work with Pat Leonard on that album? For those who don't know who he is he's the producers of most of Madonna's biggest hits. Elton's one to talk about musical integrity when he worked with a producer that worked with Madge. Elton can diss someone for lip syncing and then do songs with boybands? Yeah like they sing all their songs live :rolleyes:.

[USTVFanFromUK]

*Edit*

[USTVFanFromUK]

Originally posted by USTVFanFromUK
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Steve M.
[B] So if he despises someone for lacking musical talent, that artiste would have to be pretty bad!!

Think about it.


:rolleyes: :rolleyes: So elton has the final say in what is good music and what is bad music?

[USTVFanFromUK]

Originally posted by Steve M.
Both Madge and her spokesbitch should shut the :censored: up and let Elton have his say. Last time I checked, Britain is a free country too! Why do Madge and her fans insist on ridiculing anyone who dislikes her? She's worse than George W. Bush! :mad:

So your denying free speech to only Madonna fans? If Elton can say what he wants then Madonna and her fans reserve that right as well. I bet you wouldn't be saying the same thing if he dissed the Beatles or an artist you like.


And find me sources where Madonna herself ridiculed anyone who hates her in recent times....

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by USTVFanFromUK
So your denying free speech to only Madonna fans? If Elton can say what he wants then Madonna and her fans reserve that right as well. I bet you wouldn't be saying the same thing if he dissed the Beatles or an artist you like.


And find me sources where Madonna herself ridiculed anyone who hates her in recent times....

I agree. The thing is, and it's something people who hate Madonna really don't wanna face, it's been TWENTY YEARS since Madonna first became famous. You don't have to like her, but for someone whose had a career to last 20 years definately cements her as a legend, but Madonna bashers still like to think Material Girl was 2 years ago and limp her in with the J. Lo's and Britney's, but she's been around so much longer and has accomplished so much more.

She is a legend and a pop icon, even if you dislike her, I don't see why you'd try to deny that. Twenty years is a really long time to maintain a career, anyone who can is a legend. Madonna, Whitney and Janet ARE legends now, like it or not. I am willing to bet Steve didn't think the same way when Michael Stipe attacked The Beatles a number of years back.

[Shine]

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
I agree. The thing is, and it's something people who hate Madonna really don't wanna face, it's been TWENTY YEARS since Madonna first became famous. You don't have to like her, but for someone whose had a career to last 20 years definately cements her as a legend, but Madonna bashers still like to think Material Girl was 2 years ago and limp her in with the J. Lo's and Britney's, but she's been around so much longer and has accomplished so much more.

She is a legend and a pop icon, even if you dislike her, I don't see why you'd try to deny that. Twenty years is a really long time to maintain a career, anyone who can is a legend. Madonna, Whitney and Janet ARE legends now, like it or not. I am willing to bet Steve didn't think the same way when Michael Stipe attacked The Beatles a number of years back.

John, I agree that Madonna has earned her own little place in pop culture, but to compare her to The Beatles? Anyone who questions the importance of The Beatles (like Stipe) is a fool. I wish I could say that in a nicer way. Stipe is just bent out of shape because he considers his band one of the few veteran acts who still put out good music. Problem is, the public forgot about R.E.M about seven years ago. Can Michael Stipe say "has been"?

[Steve M.]

Originally posted by vashti1999
Seems like Elton was simply more upset about Madonna being nominated for a best live act award, lip-syncing and charging high-priced tickets than "despising" her for "lacking musical talent."

Well, based on some of the things Elton has said about her in the past, I think I can assume that she is not on his list of favorites.

As for Liz Rosenberg's insistence that her boss doesn't badmouth other performers. . .

WAKE UP, PEOPLE!

She once refereed to Elvis Costello as an "alterntive rock" singer, and she defined "alternative rock" as "rock that's not popular. Elvis Costello, she said was "alternative" due to "the fact that he's not popular."

The "fact?" If Elvis Costello is not popular, how come he's still around after 25 years? Oh, sure, he hasn't sold as many records as Madge has, but who other than Madge would judge a musician's artistic worth by record sales figures? (Shrew!) :mad:

[Steve M.]

Originally posted by USTVFanFromUK
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: So elton has the final say in what is good music and what is bad music?

Yes! Elton's always right! :D

[Steve M.]

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
I agree. The thing is, and it's something people who hate Madonna really don't wanna face, it's been TWENTY YEARS since Madonna first became famous. You don't have to like her, but for someone whose had a career to last 20 years definately cements her as a legend, but Madonna bashers still like to think Material Girl was 2 years ago and limp her in with the J. Lo's and Britney's, but she's been around so much longer and has accomplished so much more.

She is a legend and a pop icon, even if you dislike her, I don't see why you'd try to deny that. Twenty years is a really long time to maintain a career, anyone who can is a legend.

It's hard to understand how an annoying vocal style, brain-numbing asnythesizer arrangements, and lyrical ideas like "I'll hit you like a truck, I'll teach you how to uhh-uhh-uhh," all served up in churlish videos through a cynical record business establishment ready to cram anything down people's throats, can be consdiered "accomplishments." :p

P.S. Madonna can't stand anyone who criticizes her bercasue she wants everyone to love her. So if anyone attacks her, she leashes Liz Rosenberg on them to call their critcism "mean-spirited" or "elitist."

There's something really wrong when Madonna - a novelty act dance-popster - is a legend, and not a socially relevant folk-riocker like Tracy Chapman! :mad:

[USTVFanFromUK]

Originally posted by Steve M.
Yes! Elton's always right! :D

As I've said before Elton's worked with Madonna's longtime producer Pat Leonard. Does this make him a crap act? As for criticism of Madonna's lyrics.... have you heard her albums Like A Prayer, Bedtime Stories, Ray Of Light, Music, American Life, and hell even Erotica? You'd see most of her songwriting is isn't cheese such as Like A Virgin or Material Girl.

[USTVFanFromUK]

Originally posted by Steve M.
Well, based on some of the things Elton has said about her in the past, I think I can assume that she is not on his list of favorites.

As for Liz Rosenberg's insistence that her boss doesn't badmouth other performers. . .

WAKE UP, PEOPLE!

She once refereed to Elvis Costello as an "alterntive rock" singer, and she defined "alternative rock" as "rock that's not popular. Elvis Costello, she said was "alternative" due to "the fact that he's not popular."

The "fact?" If Elvis Costello is not popular, how come he's still around after 25 years? Oh, sure, he hasn't sold as many records as Madge has, but who other than Madge would judge a musician's artistic worth by record sales figures? (Shrew!) :mad:

She was joking. Anyone who is a Madonna fans knows how sarcastic and cynical she is. Big deal...... this was how many years ago? I sincerely doubt the Madonna of today would badmouth another act in public.

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by Steve M.
It's hard to understand how an annoying vocal style, brain-numbing asnythesizer arrangements, and lyrical ideas like "I'll hit you like a truck, I'll teach you how to uhh-uhh-uhh," all served up in churlish videos through a cynical record business establishment ready to cram anything down people's throats, can be consdiered "accomplishments." :p

P.S. Madonna can't stand anyone who criticizes her bercasue she wants everyone to love her. So if anyone attacks her, she leashes Liz Rosenberg on them to call their critcism "mean-spirited" or "elitist."

There's something really wrong when Madonna - a novelty act dance-popster - is a legend, and not a socially relevant folk-riocker like Tracy Chapman! :mad:

but people who dislike Madonna always dislike her for what she did the first decade of her career. It was in the 90's when she actually became more than "some pop singer who likes to take off her clothes". The Like A Virgin album was garbage, but usually when people who dislike her name something they hate of hers, it's always that album. Musically and lyrically she's come so far from songs like Material Girl and Dress You Up.

The real problem with Madonna is the fact she worships herself too much, her concert prices are too expensive and she really needs to shut up about the Kaballah crap. She claims her "material girl" days are so far behind her yet she expects her fans to spend $300+ to see her live. No thank you.

Tracy Chapman will be a legend eventually too.

[USTVFanFromUK]

Originally posted by Steve M.
It's hard to understand how an annoying vocal style, brain-numbing asnythesizer arrangements, and lyrical ideas like "I'll hit you like a truck, I'll teach you how to uhh-uhh-uhh," all served up in churlish videos through a cynical record business establishment ready to cram anything down people's throats, can be consdiered "accomplishments." :p

Well, most top 10, top 40, and hot 100 entries for a female artist is quite an accomplishment. As well as selling over 200 million records, 12 US #1 hits, Over 50 #1 worldwide hits, most gold singles for a female artist, the #1 female artist of the rock era, female artist with most #1's on the mainstream pop chart, artist with most #1's on the dance chart, and countless other accomplishments are quite grand I think.

[Kitt]

Well, I don't know what Elton John was so mad about or why he needed to spill it on such a large crowd of people. In the end, according to Madonna's spokes person, he wasn't even correct about what it was he was so mad about. Some of you seemed to have overlooked that fact. I have no reason to doubt that what the spokesperson said was true. It would be too easy to prove otherwise if what she said wasn't true.

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by Kitt
Well, I don't know what Elton John was so mad about or why he needed to spill it on such a large crowd of people. In the end, according to Madonna's spokes person, he wasn't even correct about what it was he was so mad about. Some of you seemed to have overlooked that fact. I have no reason to doubt that what the spokesperson said was true. It would be too easy to prove otherwise if what she said wasn't true.

that is true, Elton falsely accused Madonna of lipsynching when Madonna, her spokesperson as well as people who saw her show, say that she didn't lipsynch on her tour. So sorry, Elton IS the one looking like an idiot there, especially when he champions people like Janet and Paula who are not song-stylists either. That'd be like accusing Adam Sandler of being a terrible actor, when you've co-starred in movies with Pauly Shore and Tom Arnold.

[Sterling Holobyte]

Wow, that Elton is one angry guy lately.
I do agree with him about performers lipsynching, though.

[Janice]

http://www.thisislondon.com/showbiz/articles/14002736?source=Evening%20Standard

Elton says sorry to Madonna

Irascible rock star Sir Elton John has admitted he may have been unfair in comments about Madonna's supposed miming on stage.

At a charity fundraiser in Los Angeles he said: "It was probably a bit unfair because there are people who lip- sync worse and whole shows are lip-synced. Her show is not wholly lip-synced.

"Madonna is a great artist, a great performer and a great writer."

He had erupted over her nomination for best live act at a London awards ceremony earlier this month, saying: "F*** off ! Since when has lipsyncing been live?"

[Steve M.]

Originally posted by Janice
Irascible rock star Sir Elton John has admitted he may have been unfair in comments about Madonna's supposed miming on stage.

At a charity fundraiser in Los Angeles he said: "It was probably a bit unfair because there are people who lip- sync worse and whole shows are lip-synced. Her show is not wholly lip-synced.

"Madonna is a great artist, a great performer and a great writer."

Okay, she probably doesn't lip-sync a lot. But what was that you called her just now, Elton? A "great artist?" :eek2:

You let me down, Elton - big time! Now you're probably going to tell me you like the Archies, after all! :mad:

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by Steve M.
Okay, she probably doesn't lip-sync a lot. But what was that you called her just now, Elton? A "great artist?" :eek2:

get over it tho, it's been twenty years since Material Girl. Most of the critics who hated her in 1984-1985 have come around to embrace her, so why can't you?

[Dr. Jazz]

Originally posted by Steve M.
Okay, she probably doesn't lip-sync a lot. But what was that you called her just now, Elton? A "great artist?" :eek2:

You let me down, Elton - big time! Now you're probably going to tell me you like the Archies, after all! :mad:

Steve, correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm starting to get the impression that you no likey Madonna ;)