George Harrison as "Pirate Bob" sings at the in normal clothing, after leading the band through an intro to "My Sweet Lord," starts singing "The Pirate Song". Innes's connection with Harrison and the other Beatles, as well as Harrison's to Monty Python and its members, are equally notable. Innes' Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band appeared in The Beatles' ''[[Magical Mystery Tour (film)|Magical Mystery Tour]]'' film, and Paul McCartney produced the Bonzo single "I'm the Urban Spaceman," while Harrison founded [[HandMade Films]] for the purpose of financing Python's ''[[Life of Brian]]''; HandMade later also produced Python alum Terry Gilliam's ''[[Time Bandits]]''. Harrison also appeared as a news reporter - interviewing Michael Palin - in Idle and Innes' Beatles parody, ''[[The Rutles|The Rutles: All You Need is Cash]]''.
Idle said of his RWT colleagues (in the same ''[[Radio Times]]'' interview) "Neil Innes is superb. I must be his biggest fan. [[Henry Woolf]] played [[Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec|Toulouse-Lautrec]] in the [[West End theatre|West End]]. He's the best small philosopher in London at the moment. And David Battley – what can I say? Straight, pale, dead-pan brilliant. Our cameraman, Peter Bartlett, filmed [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|the Queen]] but says I'm easier to work with."
http://chilled.cream.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8958&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=shoestring&start=60 
George Harrison Monty Python Pirate Song Rutland Weekend Television (1975-76) The Rutles members in the original 1975 skit on Rutland Weekend Television, which subsequently aired on Saturday Night Live, were: In the original skit "Stig" is the Paul McCartney character and was portrayed by Batley, with Idle portraying the George Harrison character as "Dirk". The John Lennon character is named "Nasty". The Ringo Starr character was originally named Barry, although in the series spin-off book "The Rutland Weekend Songbook", this character is mistakenly identified as "Kevin" -- the only appearance of this name in the entire Rutles canon. In the original sketch, the characters are given only the singular names Stig, Dirk, Barry, and Nasty. However, as would happen frequently during the Rutles existence, some of the actors lip-synching The Rutles music on-screen were not musicians, and did not participate in the recording process. Rutles music for Rutland Weekend Television and the spin-off album The Rutland Weekend Songbook was recorded by Neil's Innes' own band Fatso, which consisted of: 
Punk All You Need Is Cash version (1978) [edit] In adapting the characters for a full-length TV feature, several changes were made. Idle continued to play "Dirk", but Dirk was now modelled after Paul McCartney, not George Harrison. Battley was replaced as Stig by Rikki Fataar, and Stig became the George Harrison-inspired character. Additionally, the characters now all had first and last names. The Rutles members in All You Need Is Cash were: - Ron Nasty (styled after John Lennon) — played by Neil Innes
- Dirk McQuickly (styled after Paul McCartney) — played by Eric Idle
- Stig O'Hara (styled after George Harrison) — played by Rikki Fataar
- Barry Wom, ne Barrington Womble (styled after Ringo Starr) — played by John Halsey. The character's truncated surname was a play on how Ringo had changed his surname from 'Starkey' to 'Starr'.
Also, in tracing the fictional history of the band, one other member was mentioned: Hope you find this site of some interest. Any corrections are welcome. With your help we will continue to update the site every couple of months. Also, in tracing the fictional history of the band, one other member was mentioned: Once again, the band that recorded the actual music was slightly different to the band that appeared on camera, as Idle did not take part in the recording process. On the soundtrack release of the music from All You Need Is Cash, The Rutles were officially: - Neil Innes: guitar, keyboards, vocals. Innes sang the John Lennon and George Harrison-inspired songs.
- Ollie Halsall: guitar, keyboards, vocals. Halsall sang the Paul McCartney-inspired songs.
- Rikki Fataar: guitar, bass, sitar, tabla, vocals
- John Halsey: percussion, vocals. Halsey sang the Ringo Starr- inspired songs.
- Andy Brown: bass
While the Rutles are often thought of as a four-piece band, the credits of the original LP release of their first album makes it quite clear they were a five piece band. Brown, however, did not appear in any role in All You Need Is Cash, and was not part of any Rutles reunion. Gus Dudgeon, 1942-2002 Oct 1, 2002
advertisement [an error occurred while processing this directive] Tickets to be Available Soon For Three More John/Cooper Outings--Posted by editor_usaThursday 17 June 2010 @ 17:40 - GMT
On December 5, Elton and Ray Cooper are going to play Norway's Oslo Spektrum. This will be followed by a pair of dates in Denmark. On Thursday, December 9, they perform at MCH Multiarena in Herning. And a day later, the fellows play Malmo Arena. Tickets for all of the above go on sale Monday, June 21.  ''Legends'' Homage is Missing a Vital Member--Posted by editor_usaThursday 17 June 2010 @ 17:05 - GMT
Central Pier's summer show, Legends, opens tonight for its 12th season – ''with a question mark still hanging over its final line-up,'' to quote the Gazette. Jimmy Love, who portrays Elton in the extravaganza, found himself in a hospital in La Coruna, Northern Spain, following an emergency airlift from the cruise ship Azura, having suffered a brain aneurysm whilst he was working. With five weeks to go before the start of the new season and four days before rehearsals started, producer Trevor Chance said: "things were pretty tense for Jimmy and the team." With a doctor's appointment this week the Blackpool native has still not been cleared to join the cast but, says Trevor: "We are confident that he will soon be fit to join the team again, so regular Legends fans won't be disappointed." Director and co-producer Richard Chance commented on the show: "It's good old fashioned value for money and there are no new stars coming up through the business today. That's why a show like Legends continues to succeed, offering long lasting icons like Elton John, Rod Stewart, Elvis Presley and Freddie Mercury.'' As Legends notches up 12 years in Blackpool the show itself has been going strong for 20. "It is still constantly evolving," says Richard. "Each season sees two different line-ups complete with a super-tight company of musicians and dancers plus comedian Tom Bright. This year there's even lots of new video fun and a surprise appearance from Lady Gaga!" Until ''Elton'' returns, there is a Buddy Holly replacement. The Rocket Man's Ramat Gan Plans--Posted by editor_usaThursday 17 June 2010 @ 16:21 - GMT
Bucking the recent trend of international artists canceling their scheduled shows in Israel, Elton will be appearing tonight for a sold-out show at Ramat Gan Stadium.The rock legend will be arriving on his private plane during the day, and leaving immediately after the performance, according to a spokesperson for the show’s promoter, Gad Oron.That setup will enable Elton to avoid making any public statements. The performance evolved from relatively routine to controversial in the last few weeks, after artists such as Elvis Costello and the Pixies cancelled shows, following pressure from boycott organisations, or to protest Israel’s May 31 raid on the Gaza flotilla. Elton has said: ''I have always believed that music inhabits a world set apart from politics, religious differences or prejudice of any kind.''Throughout my career I have made a point of playing concerts in challenging places, such as the USSR and Northern Ireland in the 1970s, Israel in the 1990s and very recently Morocco.''Music is, and always will be, a universal language, free from boundaries.'' Many recall Elton's last visit to Israel in 1993. A long delay at the Ben-Gurion Airport border control and an onslaught of photographers and fans ambushing him upon his arrival at the Tel Aviv Hilton prompted the entertainer to immediately leave the country without performing at his scheduled engagement in Yarkon Park.While he jumped over sofas in the hotel lobby, Elton's bodyguards reportedly shoved and swore at the crowd. Two photographers and a fan were injured. ''He hit the button on the elevator, and said 'forget it, I’m going,' '' recalled the gig’s promoter Zev Isaac in an interview last year. ''He was in a state.'' Following an appeal from Andrew Burns, the British ambassador to Israel, Elton reconsidered and returned from England the next day to perform 24 hours later than planned.Things will hopefully run more smoothly this time, with the soccer fan being pampered with specific dressing room requests in his technical rider, including velvet-lined couches and cable TV with access to channels covering the World Cup. Rockin' Man--Posted by editor_usa
A West End Mainstay's Salute to Elton
Thursday 17 June 2010 @ 16:05 - GMT
A rousing tribute to one of the most successful artists of all time, Rockin’ Man, a single reflecting the musical journey of Sir Elton, has been released by Mauro Montuschi, a popular West End pianist/vocalist. Drawing inspiration from the work of the enduring singer/songwriter, Rockin’ Man tells how the music of Elton and lyrics of Bernie Taupin have influenced Mauro’s love of chords and melody, and the emerging talent of a generation of songwriters. Rockin’ Man is a stirring ballad reflecting the power of Elton’s music.
The words reflect the magic of Elton’s songbook and are influenced by material from Empty Sky to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
Mauro, a musician, actor and performer, has been Musical Director for West End Shows as well as a keyboard player and singer. Born in London of Italian parents, his natural talent was nurtured by his Uncle Min, who was first violinist with the SanRemo Symphonic Orchestra. Mauro can currently be seen as the resident piano/vocalist at major London venues such as the Dorchester Hotel and Harrods. Addressing his new project, Mauro said: “Elton’s work having influenced my own development and creative journey, I wanted to pay tribute to the power of his music. Showcasing Elton’s genius for chords and melody, I hope that Rockin’ Man reflects the tradition of his music, his influence on a generation of musicians, and the loyalty of the fans who love him.” Blue Avenue--Posted by editor_usa
New Project Features Two Men With Ties to Elton
Wednesday 16 June 2010 @ 16:38 - GMT
Lonely Avenue, a collaboration between American singer-songwriter Ben Folds and English novelist Nick Hornby—will be released September 28 on Nonesuch Records. The album features music and vocals by Folds and lyrics by Hornby, with string arrangements by one of the most influential pop string arrangers, Paul Buckmaster, who has worked with Elton, David Bowie and Leonard Cohen. The record, which Folds made specifically to be listened to on vinyl, shall also be available on CD, digitally, and in a special deluxe edition that includes four short stories by Hornby. The idea to create an album of Ben's unique pop songwriting sensibilities with Nick’s insightful prose was conceived during a dinner conversation between the two friends one night in 2009. After that, Hornby began regularly emailing lyrics to Folds, who then turned them into a dozen musical short stories. Folds first found mainstream success as the leader of the critically acclaimed Ben Folds Five. His admirers include Elton. In fact, in 2008, the instrumentalist was one of the participants celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road double LP. The concert, held at Manhattan's New Amsterdam Theatre, raised over a million dollars for the EJAF, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and Friends in Deed. Tattoos And Tequila
Motley True Member Shackleton Pop Classicism
Wednesday 16 June 2010 @ 16:29 - GMT
Motley Crue frontiersman Vince Neil takes a look back on his third solo studio album -- and first in 15 years -- with the covers-heavy Tattoos & Tequila, due out June 22.Ten of the set's 12 songs include fresh takes on hits such as Elton's The Bitch is Back, and Elvis Presley's Viva Las Vegas (the latter being a tribute to Neil's current residence). "I wanted to make a really cool, rock and roll party album with songs that mean a lot to me and give people a glimpse into my life," Neil told Billboard.com. "These are from my favorite albums I grew up listening to." Incidentally, his memoirs, also called Tattoos And Tequila, are to be published in September.
Why Elton Decided to Take Part in Limbaugh's Big Day
Wednesday 16 June 2010 @ 16:10 - GMT
Elton was surprised to be invited to play at Rush-Limbaugh's wedding,according to his partner.
"To put it in Elton's exact words, when he got the invitation, he was 'a little surprised,' " Furnishing Sand turned out to be a genuinely sincere Wedding Gift … Elton said, 'Lifetime abs-out bodybuilding" The conservative radio show host took his fourth trip down the aisle June 5, marrying Kathryn Rogers at a ceremony attended by the likes of Karl Rove, Fred Thompson and Sean Hannity.
Limbaugh has kept the reasons for hiring the pop luminary under wraps. But his biographer, Zev Chafets, wrote on a Wall Street Journal blog: “On some social issues, like abortion, Limbaugh is a conventional conservative. On others he sounds a lot like Barack Obama. In an interview last summer he told me that he regards homosexuality as most likely determined by biology, considers other people’s sex lives to be none of his business and supports gay civil unions.” Rush also knew Elton's songs by heart from playing them "a thousand times" as a top 40 DJ, so hiring him was "not a social statement," according to Chafets. "Limbaugh has been deaf for many years," he continued. "He can make out speech thanks to a cochlear implant, but not music. What he can do is remember songs from the past." For Sir Elton, it wasn't just the reported $1 million fee that prompted the well-known liberal to play for the crowd, Furnish said. Elton told him he wanted "to go where people wouldn't expect me to go." "And maybe if I can make a great impression," Furnish quoted him as saying, "people might change their perspectives on life." The filmmaker was in Europe and couldn't attend the wedding. But Elton told him it was a beautiful event and Limbaugh and his bride "were incredibly gracious and very welcoming and very sweet and very appreciative." "Elton, during the performance made a lot of cracks: 'I suppose you all wonder why I'm here tonight?' " David said. "But ultimately, it's a bit like an olive branch, I guess. "I wasn't there, but from everything Elton told me, he said Rush and his bride were incredibly charming and welcoming. And they have said they want to come and have dinner with us in England, if they pass through in their travels." Behind The Scenes of a ''Duets'' Collaboration--Posted by editor_usaTuesday 15 June 2010 @ 16:54 - GMT
Chris Difford has completed a new recording, and it's likely that Elton has been among those who have heard it. The Squeeze singer told EJW that his friend ''always listens'' to his work, and takes time to offer his insights. ''He reaches out far more than most people I know.'' The two joined forces on Elton's Duets. ''Elton called me and asked me for a lyric. I went to his house to show him; within an hour the song was complete. We then went to record the song in the afternoon at a studio close to his house--everything was done by the evening. '' A few weeks later he drove down to see me play in Bristol. I sat in his car and heard the finished song, cried and went to bed. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever done, and is called Duets For One.'' Difford's latest project is being released on the Internet. Elton Declines Another Chance to be a Judge
The People has reported that Elton was offered one of the guest-judge slots to take the place of Dannii Minogue while she is on maternity leave.
However, the rocker turned it down as he doesn't agree with the morals of The X Factor.
A source said: ''He didn't want anything to do with the show, despite its amazing viewing figures.
''It would have been great for his profile, but he didn't feel he needed the exposure.
''And he disagrees with the show's policies - he thought he'd have to be cruel to people who don't deserve it.
''If his job was to seek real talent and not put down the less talented, it would have been different.
''Some people think it would be fun - but he can't see the funny side of the role or the auditions.''
Elton previously had been in talks about taking over for Simon Cowell on American Idol, but ended up turning down the offer. Man Who Made Threats Against Elton Gets Dismissed by usa
Charges have been dropped just before the trial of a Georgia man accused of threatening Elton on the Internet and outside the singer's Atlanta condominium. The case against Neal Horsley was dismissed by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Esmond Adams before a trial was due to start yesterday. Horsley was apparently angered when Elton told an interviewer that he believed Jesus was gay. But the judge said Horsley's actions didn't warrant criminal charges. The 65-year-old had been charged with making terroristic threats, criminal defamation and using the Internet to disseminate threats. Prosecutors say Horsley posted threats against Elton online and that he picketed outside Elton's Buckhead property with a sign that said "Why Elton John Must Die."
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GUS DUDGEON SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY (P, producer; E, engineer) Joan Armatrading: The 20th Century Masters (P, 2000); Love and Affection (P, 1997); Greatest Hits (P, 1996); Classics, Vol. 21 (P, 1989); Whatever's For Us (P, 1972) Audience: Lunch (P, 1972); House on the Hill (P, 1971) Bonzo Dog Band: Beast of the Bonzos (P, 1970); Tadpoles, Urban Spaceman (P, both 1969); Doughnuts in Granny's Greenhouse (P, 1968) David Bowie: “Space Oddity” (P, 1969); David Bowie (E, 1967) Michael Chapman: Fully Qualified Survivor, Window (P, both 1970); Rainmaker (P, 1968) Kiki Dee: I Got the Music in Me (P, 1974) Marianne Faithfull: “What Have I Done Wrong,” “What Have They Done to the Rain,” “As Tears Go By,” “Greensleeves,” “Come and Stay With Me” (E, all 1964) Elton John: Live in Australia (P, 1987); Leather JacketsIce on Fire (P, 1985); Blue Moves, Here and There (P, both 1976); Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, Rock of the Westies (P, both 1975); CaribouDon't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (P, both 1973); Honky Chateau (P, 1972); 11-17-70, Friends [soundtrack], Madman Across the Water (P, all 1971); Elton John, Tumbleweed Connection (P, both 1970) (P, 1986); (P, 1974); John Kongos: John Kongos (P, 1971) Magna Carta: Seasons (P, 1970) John Mayall: Crusade, The Blues Alone (E, both 1967); John Mayall & The Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton (E, 1966) |
