- Sir Elton John
Gay rights and AIDS activist Sir Elton John raised eyebrows and ire on Saturday when he sang at right-wingnut Rush Limbaugh’s wedding (his fourth) to Kathryn Rogers in Palm Beach, Fla. John reportedly was paid $1 million for the gig.
The British newspaper The Guardian says Elton gave Rush a discounted rate, that the legendary singer usually charges more than $2 million for private wedding performances, and that the proceeds will go to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
OK. I admit that I was totally caught off guard and experienced a true WTF moment when I first saw headlines about John’s performance at Limbaugh’s wedding.
I mean, why in the world would an out-and-proud gay man like Elton John want to sing for the man who once said that “When a gay man turns his back on you, it isn’t an insult, it’s an invitation”? Why would such a staunch AIDS activist want to perform for a man who has consistently denied that AIDS exists as an epidemic or that is has spread to the heterosexual community?
Obviously, a lot of other people were wondering the same kinds of things. Like Tommi Avicolli-Mecca, who wrote for the San Francisco-based alternative BeyondChron that John “owes his queer fans one hell of an explanation.” And this blogger on Queerty.com who wrote: “It’s one thing to be friends with someone who has a difference of opinion. It’s an entirely other thing to knowingly enter into a business and personal relationship with someone whose day job amounts to wishing ill against your community.”
(One commenter on the Queerty.com post even called the singer Elton “Uncle Tom” John.)
There are plenty of folks who have opined that John doesn’t need the money, and if he wants to donate to gay rights or AIDS causes, he can do it without having to make nice with a bigot like Limbaugh. And I pretty much felt the same way. At first.
But then I thought about it, and I have changed my mind. I say, Go Elton! The right-wingers are really good about reaching down into their oh-so-deep pockets to finance propaganda against us, why shouldn’t you take the chance to get them to reach into those same pockets to help finance something good for a change.
I mean, yeah, sure, Elton John has plenty of his own money to donate to worthy causes. And yes, he could have performed in any number of venues or at any number of events to raise money for those causes. But I think there is a kind of karmic justice in John taking money from Limbaugh and giving that money to a worthy cause, like his AIDS foundation (as the Guardian says he is wont to do).
I learned a long time ago that actions speak louder than words, and $1 million can finance a lot of action! So I say more power to Sir Elton for taking a chunk of that money that might have otherwise helped pay for more anti-LGBT propaganda and using it for something worthwhile.
AIDS prevention education is pretty simple; don’t share needles and don’t get screwed up the ass.
What is the big deal? Just because Elton John is gay should he be “black-listed” and just because Rush Limbaugh is a conservative does not mean that he can’t appreciate good music and great entertainment. The two came together in a business deal that satisfied both of them. Grow up, people.
I get so incredibly tired of everyone naturally assocating conservatism to hatred of homesexuals… Conservatives don’t hate gay people.. Conservatives welcome all like minded individuals who believe in freedom and personal responsibility… I would be willing to be the author of this “article” has never made an earnest attempt to undertsand Limbaugh or what he trying to say… I agree he is inflamatory but that doesnt change the message of basic Conservative virtues…. I challenge anyone to point to a specific instance where they can demonstrate that Limabughs “day job is taking jabs at the gay and lesbian commuinity.” Limbaugh likes Elton John, Limabugh has lots of cash, LImbaugh paid Elton to sing at his wedding…. Capitalism America… Plain and simple; a mutually beneficial business transaction based on the great equalizer $$$$$ By the way; Conservatives HATE lazy, unaccoutable, freeloaders who refiuse to take ownership of thier own lives and work for the betterment of their family… Thats what conservatives hate! And Keith Olberman…
Diane hit it out of the park. What liberals don’t understand about conservatives is that we can easily separate one’s politics from one’s person. For god sakes, James Carville was there. Conservatives don’t hate and without hate it is possible to enjoy the music of Elton John or Barbara Streisand without having to agree with their politics. What makes you think that Limbaugh does not support the use that Elton put the money to anyway.
I remember Phil Donahue interviewing Rush once and asked him if AIDS was a message from God against gays . To his credit Limbaugh chastised Phil and stated AIDS was a terrible disease not some crazy punishment. Limbaugh also supports civil unions, like Obama.
What does Elton’s lifestyle choices have to do with the great artist that he is? Is he only to perform at gay related events? I should say not. He is an entertainer for all. Should have nothing to do with politics or ones views.
Elton is a musician. It’s his job. He had a gig. He fulfilled the obligations. Despite his cachet with the uber-right, radio station programmers view Rush Limbaugh as ‘entertainment,’ not news. Although the news isn’t what is it used to be. Rush is a radio clown with a kiddie show for people who think they’re politically involved, even if they’re mobilizing against their own class and interests. And Mother Nature. And humanity. And reality. Back to Sir Elton, I’m glad he got paid.
Oh, and I’d avoid terms like “lifestyle choice.” I don’t think people discover that they’re gay because the clothes have more sparkle.
I think it’s great he performed at the wedding. It shows “our” people are much more open minded, also the funds went to a worthy cause. Rush just dished out $1 million for an AIDS charity! WAHOO!
Joe Drager is an idiot.
I don’t see anyone else ponying up $1 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Even if the money came from Hitler, I’d take it.
Activism my ass. How could you even pose the question? The tired old queen is a sellout and he’ll prove it time and again (Eminem anyone?). EJ wasn’t the only whore at the wedding either. James Carville was there and he didn’t tag along just because his skanky wife Mary Matlalin was invited. Elton and James are examples of what unprincipled whores will do for fame and money.
Elton isn’t too far behind Joe Drager in the lack-of-brains department, but I still like his music….for now, but Queen, don’t push me. You need to do some making up for this Limbaugh bullsheet, and if you don’t, you can forget about me spending any future moneys on Elton, inc., got that beeyatch?