History of Elton John in Timeline
Sir Elton John is a highly successful British singer, songwriter, and pianist, renowned for his contributions to the music industry. His partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin has produced numerous hit songs, contributing to over 300 million records sold globally. Elton John's impact extends beyond music, solidifying him as one of the best-selling artists ever and an EGOT winner.
1956: First Exposure to Rock and Roll
In 1956, John was immediately hooked on rock and roll when his mother brought home records by Elvis Presley and Bill Haley & His Comets, marking his early inspiration and defining musical direction.
1959: Cousin Roy Dwight scored in FA Cup Final
In 1959, Elton John's paternal cousin Roy Dwight, a professional footballer, scored for Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup Final before breaking his leg later in the same match.
1967: Collaboration with Bernie Taupin Begins
In 1967, John began writing with Bernie Taupin after answering an advertisement placed in New Musical Express, marking the start of a long-lasting and successful partnership.
1968: Performance of 'Skyline Pigeon' at Ryan White's funeral
In April 1990, on the eve of White's death, John dedicated "Candle in the Wind" to White at Farm Aid IV and later performed his 1968 ballad "Skyline Pigeon" at White's funeral.
1970: Peak period of John's career
From 1970 to 1976, this period is widely regarded as the most commercially successful and critical peak of John's career.
1970: First gay relationship with John Reid
In 1970, right after his first US shows in Los Angeles, Elton John lost his virginity to and started his first gay relationship with John Reid, the Tamla Motown label manager for the UK, who later became John's manager.
1972: Peak period of John's career
Between 1972 and 1975, Elton John achieved seven consecutive number-one albums in the United States, a feat that had not been accomplished prior to that time.
June 1975: New Line-Up Introduced at Wembley Stadium
In June 1975, Elton John introduced a new line-up at Wembley Stadium in London. The line-up included Davey Johnstone, Ray Cooper, Caleb Quaye, Roger Pope, Kenny Passarelli, and James Newton Howard.
August 1975: Named Outstanding Rock Personality of the Year
On 9 August 1975, Elton John was named the outstanding rock personality of the year at the first annual Rock Music Awards in Santa Monica, California, US.
October 1975: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In October 1975, John received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring his achievements and influence in the entertainment industry.
1975: Achieved seven consecutive number-one albums in the United States
Between 1972 and 1975, Elton John achieved seven consecutive number-one albums in the United States, a feat that had not been accomplished prior to that time.
1975: Part owner of Los Angeles Aztecs
From late 1975, Elton John was a part-owner of the Los Angeles Aztecs of the North American Soccer League.
1975: Released "Philadelphia Freedom"
In 1975, Elton John released the song "Philadelphia Freedom" as a tribute to his friend Billie Jean King's World Team Tennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms.
1975: Helped finance "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"
In 1975, Elton John was among a group of musicians who helped to finance the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail".
1975: Release of Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
In 1975, Elton John's autobiographical album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy debuted at number one in the US, staying there for seven weeks. The album signaled the end of the Elton John Band, leading to the dismissal of Olsson and Murray.
1975: Cocaine Overdose and Bulimia Development
In 1975, the pressures of stardom led to a cocaine overdose during "Elton Week" in Los Angeles, also developing bulimia, highlighting challenges faced during his early career.
May 1976: Release of Here and There Live Album
In May 1976, the live album Here and There by Elton John was released.
1976: Peak period of John's career
From 1970 to 1976, this period is widely regarded as the most commercially successful and critical peak of John's career.
1976: Became chairman of Watford Football Club
In 1976, Elton John became the chairman and director of Watford Football Club, which he had supported since his youth.
1976: Coming out as bisexual
In 1976, Elton John came out as bisexual in an interview with Rolling Stone.
1976: Part owner of Los Angeles Aztecs
Until 1976, Elton John was a part-owner of the Los Angeles Aztecs of the North American Soccer League.
November 1977: Announced retirement from performing
In November 1977, Elton John announced his retirement from performing, and Taupin began collaborating with other artists.
1978: Release of A Single Man album
In 1978, Elton John issued A Single Man album with a new lyricist, Gary Osborne.
May 1979: Performed Concerts in the Soviet Union
In May 1979, Elton John played eight concerts in the Soviet Union; four dates in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) and four in Moscow.
1979: Toured the Soviet Union and Israel
In 1979, accompanied by Ray Cooper, Elton John became one of the first Western artists to tour the Soviet Union and Israel.
September 1980: Free Concert in Central Park
On 13 September 1980, Elton John, with Olsson and Murray back in the band, performed a free concert to an estimated 400,000 fans on The Great Lawn in Central Park in New York City.
1980: Release of 21 at 33 album and Collaboration with France Gall and Michel Berger
In 1980, Elton John's album 21 at 33, was released, and he collaborated with France Gall and Michel Berger on the songs "Donner pour donner" and "Les Aveux", released together as a single.
1981: Release of The Fox album
In 1981, Elton John's album The Fox was recorded during the same sessions as 21 at 33 and included collaborations with Tom Robinson and Judie Tzuke.
December 1982: Performance at Hammersmith Odeon
On 24 December 1982, Elton John performed "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with Kiki Dee at Hammersmith Odeon.
1982: Release of Jump Up! album
In 1982, the album Jump Up! was released, and the biggest hit from the album was "Blue Eyes".
October 1983: Controversial Performance in Sun City
In October 1983, Elton John caused controversy when he broke the United Nations' cultural boycott on apartheid-era South Africa by performing at Sun City.
1983: Reunion with Bernie Taupin
In 1979 John and Taupin reunited, although they did not collaborate on a full album until 1983's Too Low For Zero.
1983: Watford finished runners up in the First Division
In 1983, at their height, Watford Football Club finished runners up in the First Division.
February 1984: Marriage to Renate Blauel
On 14 February 1984, Elton John married Renate Blauel, a German recording engineer, at St Mark's Church, Darling Point, Sydney, Australia.
1984: Cried at the Cup Final
In 1984, Elton John cried at the Cup Final when the song "Abide with Me" was played, as it evoked memories of his childhood.
1984: Marriage to Renate Blauel and Release of Breaking Hearts
In 1984, Elton John married Renate Blauel on Valentine's Day. He also released the album Breaking Hearts, which featured the song "Sad Songs (Say So Much)".
1985: Performance at Live Aid and Release of "Nikita"
In 1985, Elton John performed at Live Aid and released "Nikita" from the album Ice on Fire.
1985: Recording "That's What Friends Are For"
In 1985, John joined Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder in recording the single "That's What Friends Are For", with profits donated to the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
1986: Success with "That's What Friends Are For" and Live Orchestral Version of "Candle in the Wind"
In 1986, Elton John collaborated with Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder on "That's What Friends Are For", which reached number one in the US and raised funds for HIV/AIDS research. Also that year, a live orchestral version of "Candle in the Wind" reached number six in the US.
1986: Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music
In 1986, John received a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, recognizing his significant impact on the music industry.
1986: Influence of "Don't Give Up"
In 2014, John attributed his sobriety partly to the 1986 Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel duet "Don't Give Up", specifically citing Bush's lyrics as playing a big part in his rebirth.
1986: Involvement in Charity Fundraising Events
Since 1986, John has been actively involved in charity fundraising events, marking the beginning of his extensive philanthropic efforts.
1987: Sold Watford Football Club to Jack Petchey
In 1987, Elton John sold Watford Football Club to Jack Petchey, but remained president of the club.
1987: Libel case against The Sun newspaper
In 1987, Elton John won a libel case against The Sun newspaper, which published false allegations that he had had sex with rent boys.
1988: Divorce from Renate Blauel
In 1988, Elton John and Renate Blauel's marriage ended in divorce.
1988: Madison Square Garden Shows, Auction, and Release of "I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That"
In 1988, Elton John performed five sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 2,000 items of John's memorabilia were auctioned off at Sotheby's in London. He also released "I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That" from the album Reg Strikes Back.
April 1990: Support for Ryan White
In April 1990, John traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, to be by the side of Ryan White, a teenage haemophiliac whom he had befriended and whose health was deteriorating.
1990: Appeared in Diet Coke Commercials
Beginning in 1990, Elton John appeared in commercials for Diet Coke.
1990: Closer Association with AIDS Charities
Following the death of his friend Ryan White in 1990, John became more closely associated with AIDS charities, raising money and awareness of the disease.
1990: First Solo UK Number One Hit with "Sacrifice"
In 1990, Elton John achieved his first solo UK number one hit single with "Sacrifice" from the previous year's album Sleeping with the Past, which stayed at the top spot for five weeks.
1991: Continued AIDS Charity Involvement
Following Freddie Mercury's death in 1991, John's commitment to AIDS charities continued, with increased efforts to raise funds and promote awareness.
1991: Grammy Win for "Basque" and Brit Award for Best British Male
In 1991, "Basque" won the Grammy for Best Instrumental, and a guest concert appearance at Wembley Arena John made on George Michael's cover of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" was released as a single and topped the charts in both the UK and the US. At the 1991 Brit Awards in London, John won Best British Male.
1991: Became a fan of the Atlanta Braves
In 1991, Elton John became a fan of the Atlanta Braves baseball team after moving to Atlanta, Georgia.
1991: Brit Award for Best British Male
In 1991, John received the Brit Award for Best British Male, celebrating his success as a male artist in the UK.
April 1992: Appearance at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert
In April 1992, Elton John appeared at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium, performing "The Show Must Go On" with the remaining members of Queen, and "Bohemian Rhapsody" with Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses and Queen's remaining members.
1992: Release of The One Album
In 1992, Elton John released the US number 8 album The One, featuring the hit song "The One". It was his first album recorded entirely sober.
1992: Coming out as gay
In 1992, Elton John told Rolling Stone in another interview that he was "quite comfortable about being gay".
1992: Induction into Songwriters Hall of Fame
In 1992, John and Taupin were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing their contributions to music.
1992: Founding of Elton John AIDS Foundation
In 1992, John founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation after losing two friends to AIDS, raising over $600 million to support HIV-related programs globally.
1993: Relationship with David Furnish begins
In 1993, Elton John began a relationship with David Furnish.
1993: Release of Duets Album and Contribution to The Bunbury Tails
In 1993, Elton John released Duets, featuring collaborations with 15 artists, including Tammy Wynette and RuPaul. He also contributed the track "Up The Revolution" to The Bunbury Tails charity album.
1993: Inauguration of Academy Awards Party
In 1993, John began hosting his annual Academy Awards Party, which has become a high-profile event in Hollywood, raising over US$200 million for his AIDS foundation.
1993: 1993 Jaguar XJ220 sold at auction
In 1993, the Jaguar XJ220 was manufactured. In June 2001, Elton John sold a 1993 Jaguar XJ220 at auction for £234,750 as part of a larger sale of his cars.
1994: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1994, Elton John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses.
1994: Songwriting for The Lion King
In 1994, Elton John, along with Tim Rice, wrote the songs for the Disney animated film The Lion King. Three of the songs were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, with "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" winning the award.
1994: Academy Award for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"
In 1994, John received the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from The Lion King, shared with Tim Rice, recognizing his contribution to film music.
September 1995: Appearance on Randy Newman's Faust
In September 1995, Elton John appeared as Angel Rick on the original studio album of Randy Newman's musical Faust.
1995: Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music
In 1995, John received a second Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, further solidifying his legacy in the British music scene.
January 1996: Spent over £9.6m on property
In January 1996, Elton John spent over £9.6 million on property as part of his extravagant spending habits.
December 1996: Release of "Live Like Horses" Duet
In December 1996, a duet with Luciano Pavarotti, "Live Like Horses", reached number nine in the UK.
January 1997: 50th Birthday Party and Performance with Queen
Early in 1997 in January, Elton John held a 50th birthday party, costumed as Louis XIV, with 500 friends. He also performed with the surviving members of Queen in Paris at the opening night of Le Presbytère N'a Rien Perdu De Son Charme Ni Le Jardin De Son Éclat.
September 1997: Release of "Candle in the Wind 1997"
In September 1997, Elton John revised "Candle in the Wind" to honor Princess Diana and performed "Candle in the Wind 1997" live at her funeral on September 6, 1997. The song became the fastest and biggest-selling single of all time, selling over 33 million copies globally. Proceeds were donated to Diana's charities.
September 1997: Spent £293,000 on flowers
In September 1997, Elton John spent £293,000 on flowers, showcasing his lavish lifestyle.
September 1997: Performance at Music for Montserrat charity concert
On September 15, 1997, Elton John appeared at the Music for Montserrat charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London, performing solo and alongside other prominent artists.
December 1997: Appearance in Spice World
In December 1997, Elton John appeared as himself in the Spice Girls film Spice World.
1997: Performance at Diana, Princess of Wales's Funeral
In 1997, John performed at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, at Westminster Abbey, a significant event reflecting his close relationship with the royal family and his tribute to the late Princess.
1997: The Lion King debuted on Broadway
In 1997, The Lion King musical debuted on Broadway.
1997: Presented Empire Inspiration Award to Monty Python
In 1997, at the 2nd Empire Awards, Elton John presented the comedy group Monty Python with the Empire Inspiration Award.
February 1998: Knighthood by Elizabeth II
On 24 February 1998, John was knighted by Elizabeth II for services to music and to charity, marking a significant honor.
1998: Met Tony Blair at Brit Awards
In 1998, Elton John met Tony Blair at the Brit Awards, where Blair awarded him the Freddie Mercury Award for his charitable work with the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
1998: End of management relationship with John Reid
In 1998, Elton John's professional relationship with his manager, John Reid, came to an end.
1998: Knighthood from Elizabeth II
In 1998, John received a knighthood from Elizabeth II for services to music and to charity, marking significant recognition of his contributions.
November 1999: The Lion King Certified Diamond
On 10 November 1999, the RIAA certified The Lion King "Diamond" for selling 15 million copies.
1999: The Lion King debuted in West End theatre
In 1999, The Lion King musical debuted in West End theatre. Also in 1999, John composed music for Disney's musical production Aida, for which he received awards.
2000: Admitted to spending £30 million in under two years
In 2000, Elton John admitted to having spent £30 million in just under two years, which averaged to about £1.5 million a month.
2000: Criticism of Catholic Church beliefs
In 2000, Elton John characterised the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church on homosexuality as "ignorance" after a priest stated homosexuals engage in "a lifestyle that can never respond to the deepest longings of the human heart."
2000: MusiCares Person of the Year
In 2000, John was named the MusiCares Person of the Year for his artistic achievement in the music industry and dedication to philanthropy, celebrating his contributions.
2000: Tony Award for Aida
In 2000, John won the Tony Award for Best Original Score for Aida, shared with Tim Rice, marking his success in musical theatre.
June 2001: Sold twenty cars at Christie's auction
In June 2001, Elton John sold twenty of his cars at Christie's auction house, including a 1993 Jaguar XJ220. The sale raised nearly £2 million.
2001: Performance at the Grammy Awards and Concert for New York City
In 2001, Elton John performed "Stan" with Eminem at the Grammy Awards. One month after the 11 September attacks, John appeared at the Concert for New York City, performing "I Want Love" and "Your Song".
2002: Stepped down as chairman of Watford Football Club
In 2002, Elton John stepped down as chairman of Watford Football Club because the club needed a full-time chairman, but continued as president.
2002: Party at the Palace Performance
In 2002, John performed at the Party at the Palace, marking another instance of his involvement in events celebrating the British royal family.
2002: CNN Interview with Larry King
In 2002, during a CNN interview with Larry King, John confirmed that he was aware of Diana, Princess of Wales's eating disorder, as he was also bulimic, revealing a personal connection to the late princess's struggles.
August 2003: Release of "Are You Ready for Love"
In August 2003, Elton John's single, "Are You Ready for Love", topped the UK charts.
October 2003: Signed agreement for Las Vegas shows
In October 2003, Elton John announced he had signed an exclusive agreement to perform 75 shows over three years at Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip.
2003: Sold contents of Holland Park home
In 2003, Elton John sold the contents of his Holland Park home to modernize the decoration and display his contemporary art collection. The sale was expected to fetch £800,000 at Sotheby's.
2003: Rolling Stone's "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time"
In 2003, six of Elton John's albums from the period of 1970 to 1976 were listed in Rolling Stone's "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time", with Goodbye Yellow Brick Road ranked highest at number 91.
February 2004: First performance of The Red Piano show
On February 13, 2004, the first of Elton John's shows, The Red Piano, took place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
2004: Kennedy Center Honor
In 2004, John received a Kennedy Center Honor, recognizing his lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
2004: Opened "Elton's Closet"
Since 2004, Elton John has opened a shop called "Elton's Closet" every year, where he sells his secondhand clothes.
July 2005: Featured on "Ghetto Gospel"
In July 2005, Elton John featured on Tupac Shakur's posthumous single "Ghetto Gospel", which topped the UK charts.
December 2005: Civil partnership with David Furnish
On 21 December 2005, Elton John and David Furnish were among the first couples to form a civil partnership in the United Kingdom, which was held at the Windsor Guildhall.
2005: Composed music for Billy Elliot the Musical
In 2005, Elton John composed music for a West End theatre production of Billy Elliot the Musical with playwright Lee Hall.
2005: Held concert at Watford's stadium
In 2005, Elton John held a concert at Watford's home stadium, Vicarage Road, and donated the proceeds to the club.
2005: Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2005, John was awarded the Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his lasting impact on the world of music.
February 2006: Performance with Celine Dion to raise money for charity
In February 2006, Elton John and Celine Dion sang together at Caesars Palace to raise money for Harrah's Entertainment Inc. workers affected by the 2005 hurricanes.
May 2006: Lestat closed after 39 performances
Lestat, Elton John's only theatrical project with Taupin based on Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles, received negative reviews and closed in May 2006 after 39 performances.
October 2006: Named a Disney Legend
On 9 October 2006, The Walt Disney Company named Elton John a Disney Legend for his contributions to Disney's films and theatrical works.
2006: Political views and declining support for Labour
In 2006, Elton John stated that he considered himself a Labour man and liked Tony Blair, but planned to withdraw his support from the Labour Party, feeling they had lost touch after being in power for too long.
2006: Disney Legends Award
In 2006, John received a Disney Legends Award, celebrating his contributions to the Disney legacy through his music and film work.
2006: Statements on religion in The Observer interview
In a 2006 interview with The Observer, Elton John stated that he would "ban religion completely, even though there are some wonderful things about it" and that "religion has always tried to turn hatred toward gay people".
March 2007: 60th Birthday Concert at Madison Square Garden
In March 2007, Elton John performed at Madison Square Garden for a record-breaking 60th time for his 60th birthday. The concert was broadcast live, and a DVD recording was released.
June 2007: Ninth Annual White Tie & Tiara Ball
On June 28, 2007, John hosted the ninth annual White Tie & Tiara Ball, featuring a truffle soufflé menu, surf and turf, and a knickerbocker glory ice cream, raising £3.5 million for his AIDS charity with auctions and performances.
July 2007: Performed at Concert for Diana
On 1 July 2007, Elton John appeared at the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium, performing in honor of Diana, Princess of Wales on what would have been her 46th birthday. Proceeds went to Diana's charities.
2007: Founding of Elton John Charitable Trust
In 2007, John and Furnish founded the Elton John Charitable Trust, which has supported over 100 charities, demonstrating their commitment to various causes.
June 2008: 200th show at Caesars Palace
On 21 June 2008, Elton John performed his 200th show at Caesars Palace.
September 2008: GQ interview about tour with Billy Joel
In a September 2008 GQ interview, Elton John mentioned going on tour with Billy Joel again the next year, referring to their "Face to Face" concert series.
November 2008: Release of The Red Piano DVD/CD package
In November 2008, a DVD/CD package of The Red Piano was released through Best Buy.
2008: Called Obama's victory "incredibly moving"
After the senator Barack Obama won the 2008 United States presidential election, Elton John called Obama's victory "incredibly moving." He had previously criticized George W. Bush's presidency.
2008: Preference for civil partnerships over marriage
In 2008, Elton John said he preferred civil partnerships to marriage for gay people.
April 2009: Wealth estimated at £175 million
In April 2009, the Sunday Times Rich List estimated Elton John's wealth at £175 million (US$265 million) and ranked him the 322nd wealthiest person in Britain.
September 2009: Release of Black Gives Way to Blue album
In September 2009, Elton John collaborated with Alice in Chains, playing piano on "Black Gives Way to Blue", a tribute to Layne Staley, which was the title track of the album Black Gives Way to Blue.
2009: Refusal to adopt Ukrainian boy
In 2009, Ukrainian officials refused Elton John's wish to adopt an HIV-positive boy from a Ukrainian orphanage, citing his age and the legal restrictions on adoption by unmarried couples, as same-sex marriages were not legally recognised by Ukraine at the time.
2009: Described as a floating voter
In 2009, despite being called "one of the Labour Party's most stalwart supporters", The Daily Telegraph described Elton John as a "floating voter".
October 2010: Released The Union
On 19 October 2010, Elton John released The Union, a collaboration album with Leon Russell.
December 2010: Birth of Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John
On 25 December 2010, Elton John and David Furnish's elder son, Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John, was born via surrogacy in California.
2010: Held another concert at Watford's stadium
In 2010, Elton John held another concert at Watford's home stadium, Vicarage Road, and donated proceeds to the club.
2010: PRS for Music Heritage Award
In 2010, John received the PRS for Music Heritage Award, commemorated with a plaque erected at the Namaste Lounge Pub in Northwood, London, where he performed his first gig.
2010: Controversy over remarks about Jesus
In 2010, some Christian groups in the US criticised Elton John after he described Jesus as a "compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems".
September 2011: Began The Million Dollar Piano show
On 28 September 2011, Elton John began his new show The Million Dollar Piano at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.
October 2011: 3000th concert
On 8 October 2011, Elton John performed his 3000th concert at Caesars.
2011: White Tie & Tiara Ball
In 2011, the White Tie & Tiara Ball hosted by John included guests such as Sarah Ferguson, Elizabeth Hurley, and George Michael, raising £5 million for John's foundation.
February 2012: First concert in Costa Rica
On 3 February 2012, Elton John visited Costa Rica for the first time, performing at the recently built National Stadium.
June 2012: Performed at Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Concert
On 4 June 2012, Elton John performed at Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace, playing a three-song set.
July 2012: Good Morning to the Night album release
In July 2012, Elton John released Good Morning to the Night, an album containing remixes of songs he recorded in the 1970s.
2012: Support for same-sex marriage
By 2012, Elton John had changed his position and become a supporter of same-sex marriage in the United Kingdom.
2012: Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert
In 2012, John performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert outside Buckingham Palace, further solidifying his connection with the British monarchy and his presence at significant national events.
January 2013: Birth of Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John
On 11 January 2013, Elton John and David Furnish's younger son, Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John, was born via the same surrogate.
February 2013: Duet with Ed Sheeran at the Grammy Awards
In February 2013, Elton John performed a duet with Ed Sheeran at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards.
September 2013: Received Brits Icon Award
In September 2013, Elton John received the first Brits Icon Award for his lasting impact on British culture. He also performed a duet with Rod Stewart.
September 2013: The Diving Board album released
In September 2013, Elton John's 31st album, The Diving Board, was released and reached number three in the UK and number four in the US.
2013: Brits Icon Award
In 2013, John received the first Brits Icon award in recognition of his "lasting impact" on British culture, presented to him by Rod Stewart.
January 2014: Putin spoke of John to show lack of gay discrimination
In a January 2014 interview, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of Elton John to attempt to show that there was no discrimination against gays in Russia, calling him "an extraordinary person" loved by millions.
March 2014: Legalization of same-sex marriage in England and Wales
In March 2014, same-sex marriage became legal in England and Wales.
December 2014: Marriage to David Furnish
On 21 December 2014, Elton John and David Furnish married in Windsor, Berkshire, on the ninth anniversary of their civil partnership.
December 2014: Appeared at Watford's Vicarage Road
On December 13, 2014, Elton John appeared at Watford's Vicarage Road with his husband and sons for the opening of the "Sir Elton John stand," calling it "one of the greatest days of my life".
2014: Belief that Jesus would have supported same-sex marriage
In 2014, Elton John said Jesus would have been in favour of same-sex marriage.
2014: Launch of Elton John Sports Fund
In 2014, John launched the Elton John Sports Fund to help citizens with training and competition costs for over 50 sports, supporting individuals in pursuing their athletic goals.
2014: Attributing Sobriety to Music
In a 2014 interview, John said he attributed his sobriety to Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel duet "Don't Give Up" from 1986, stating that the song helped him so much.
May 2015: Met Barack Obama at the White House
In May 2015, Elton John met Barack Obama in the White House.
September 2015: Putin called and invited John to meet
On September 24, 2015, it was reported that Vladimir Putin called Elton John and invited him to meet in the future to discuss LGBT rights in Russia.
October 2015: Announced Wonderful Crazy Night album
In October 2015, it was announced that Elton John would release his 32nd studio album, Wonderful Crazy Night, on 5 February 2016.
December 2015: Billy Elliot success
As of December 2015, Billy Elliot has been seen by over 5.25 million people in London and nearly 11 million people worldwide, grossing over $800 million and winning over 80 theatre awards internationally.
February 2016: Release of "Wonderful Crazy Night" album
In February 2016, Elton John released his 32nd album, Wonderful Crazy Night, his first full album recorded with his touring band since 2006's The Captain & the Kid.
April 2016: End of Billy Elliot the Musical London production
In April 2016, the London production of Billy Elliot the Musical, which featured Tom Holland as Billy for two years, ended after 4,566 performances.
2016: Supported Hillary Clinton's campaign
During the 2016 US presidential election, Elton John supported Hillary Clinton's campaign and performed at her fundraiser concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, praising her as "the only choice" America had.
2016: Announced intention to vote Remain in EU referendum
In 2016, Elton John announced his intention to vote Remain during the UK's European Union referendum on Instagram, sharing an image with the words "build bridges not walls".
January 2017: Declined invitation to Trump's inauguration
In January 2017, Elton John declined an invitation to attend Donald Trump's inauguration as US president, stating that as a British National, he didn't feel it was appropriate, but wished Trump success with his presidency.
January 2017: Composing for The Devil Wears Prada musical
On 26 January 2017, it was announced that Elton John would compose the score for the Broadway musical version of the novel The Devil Wears Prada and its film adaptation.
April 2017: Hospital Discharge After Bacterial Infection
On 22 April 2017, John was discharged from hospital after two nights of intensive care for contracting "a harmful and unusual" bacterial infection during his return flight home from a South American tour in Santiago, Chile.
May 2017: Cancellation of Shows
In April and May 2017, John was forced to cancel all his shows scheduled due to a bacterial infection contracted during his return flight home from a South American tour in Santiago, Chile.
June 2017: Appeared in The American Epic Sessions
In June 2017, Elton John appeared in the award-winning documentary The American Epic Sessions, recording "Two Fingers of Whiskey" live on camera.
September 2017: Trump referenced "Rocket Man" at the United Nations
In September 2017, Donald Trump referenced Elton John's song "Rocket Man" during his first address to the United Nations, referring to Kim Jong Un as "Little Rocket Man".
September 2017: Appearance in Kingsman: The Golden Circle
In September 2017, Elton John had a major role, as himself, in the action film Kingsman: The Golden Circle.
November 2017: 50-Year Partnership with Bernie Taupin
In November 2017, John reflected on his 50-year partnership with Bernie Taupin, highlighting their unique collaborative process and lasting impact on music.
2017: Biden wrote about singing "Crocodile Rock" to his son
In 2017, Joe Biden wrote in his book "Promise Me, Dad" that he sang "Crocodile Rock" to his son Beau when he was a child, and again when he was dying of cancer.
![[Joe Biden] Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose - Hardcover](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qecnch4uL._SL500_.jpg "[Joe Biden] Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose - Hardcover")
January 2018: Announced retirement from touring
On 24 January 2018, Elton John announced that he was retiring from touring and would embark on a three-year farewell tour, citing spending time with his family as the reason.
May 2018: Visited Armenia
In May 2018, Elton John visited Armenia, expressing being overwhelmed by the kindness and humanity shown to him by the Armenian people.
September 2018: Signed agreement with Universal Music Group and first concert of farewell tour
In September 2018, Elton John reportedly signed an agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG) to represent his new music and his work from the last 50 years. The first concert of his farewell tour took place on September 8, 2018, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, US.
2018: John Lewis Christmas advert "The Boy & The Piano"
In 2018, Elton John's John Lewis & Partners Christmas advert, titled "The Boy & The Piano", was shown in the UK. The advert reminisces about his life and career in reverse, culminating with him receiving a piano for Christmas in the 1950s.
May 2019: Release of Rocketman
In May 2019, Paramount Pictures released Rocketman, a biographical film about Elton John's life from his childhood to the 1980s, directed by Dexter Fletcher and starring Taron Egerton as Elton John.
July 2019: Sober Anniversary
In July 2019, John shared in an Instagram post that he had been sober for 29 years, marking a significant milestone in his journey to overcome addiction.
October 2019: Release of autobiography "Me"
In October 2019, Elton John released his autobiography, "Me". The audiobook of "Me" was narrated by Taron Egerton, with Elton John reading the prologue and epilogue.
2019: Expressed shame over Brexit vote
In 2019, Elton John said that the Brexit vote and the way it had been handled had made him ashamed.
2019: Golden Globe and Academy Award for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again"
In 2019, John received the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again", shared with Taupin, from the movie Rocketman.
2019: Chevalier of the Legion of Honour
In 2019, President Emmanuel Macron appointed John a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, recognizing his contributions to the arts and music.
2019: Renate Blauel claims Elton John's autobiography broke the terms of their divorce agreement
In 2019, Renate Blauel sued Elton John for writing about their relationship in his 2019 Me: Elton John Official Autobiography, which she claimed broke the terms of their divorce agreement.
2019: Death threats following statements on religion
In his 2019 autobiography, Me, Elton John stated that he had received many death threats as a result of his statements. Neal Horsley was arrested for making terrorist threats, after posting a YouTube video stating: "We're here today to remind Elton John that he has to die".
2019: Wealth estimated at £320 million
In the 2019 Sunday Times Rich List, Elton John was estimated to have a fortune of £320 million, making him one of the 10 wealthiest people in the British music industry.
February 2020: Walking Pneumonia Diagnosis and Concert Interruption
In February 2020, John's first show at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland was cut short due to a diagnosis of walking pneumonia, causing him to lose his voice during the performance.
October 2020: Called attention to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
In October 2020, Elton John called attention to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, condemning the aggression and targeting of civilians.
2020: Financial assistance to Linda Woodrow
In 2020, Elton John helped pay for his former fiancee Linda Woodrow's medical fees upon her request, despite having lost contact with her 50 years previously.
2020: Recalled the making of The One album
In 2020, Elton John recalled that in 1992, during the making of The One album, being 100% sober was tough, but he managed to create a good song, which was the title of the record.
2020: Appointment to Order of the Companions of Honour
In 2020, John was appointed by Elizabeth II to be a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to music and to charity, signifying another honor in recognition of his contributions.
2020: Settlement of lawsuit with Renate Blauel
In 2020, the lawsuit between Renate Blauel and Elton John was settled after she sued him for writing about their relationship in his 2019 autobiography.
2020: Collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne and Lady Gaga
In early 2020, Elton John played piano on Ozzy Osbourne's rock ballad "Ordinary Man", released on Osbourne's album of the same name. On 29 May 2020, his duet with Lady Gaga, "Sine from Above", from her album Chromatica, was released.
June 2021: Release of Regimental Sgt. Zippo
On 12 June 2021, Elton John released Regimental Sgt. Zippo. Recorded as his debut album in 1968, the album was shelved in favour of 1969's Empty Sky, and released vinyl-only in 2021 for Record Store Day.
September 2021: Contribution to The Metallica Blacklist
In September 2021, Elton John contributed to the charity tribute album The Metallica Blacklist by backing Miley Cyrus on a cover of the Metallica song "Nothing Else Matters".
September 2021: Announcement of The Lockdown Sessions album
On 1 September 2021, Elton John announced his new collaboration album The Lockdown Sessions, which he made during the first COVID-19 lockdown, and which features collaborations with various artists.
October 2021: "Cold Heart" reaches number one in the UK
In October 2021, "Cold Heart (PNAU remix)" reached number one in the UK, becoming Elton John's first UK number one in 16 years since 2005's "Ghetto Gospel".
October 2021: Named in the Pandora Papers
In October 2021, Elton John was named in the Pandora Papers, which alleged a secret financial deal involving tax havens to avoid paying taxes.
October 2021: Hip Surgery
In October 2021, John required hip surgery after "falling awkwardly on a hard surface", which highlights a health challenge he faced.
October 2021: Release of The Lockdown Sessions
On 22 October 2021, Elton John released his collaboration album, The Lockdown Sessions, which he made during the first COVID-19 lockdown, featuring collaborations with artists such as Eddie Vedder, Miley Cyrus, and Dua Lipa.
November 2021: Release of "Merry Christmas" duet
On 29 November 2021, Elton John and Ed Sheeran released "Merry Christmas", a duet single for charity, with all UK profits going to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation.
2021: Requests to meet with Boris Johnson ignored
In 2021, Elton John said that his requests to meet with Boris Johnson regarding Brexit and touring visas for musicians were ignored.
2021: Collaboration on The Lockdown Sessions
In 2021, John collaborated with young artists on the collaborative album The Lockdown Sessions and interviewed them on his Apple Music radio show Rocket Hour.
January 2022: Resumption of farewell tour
In January 2022, Elton John continued his farewell tour for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with his first show back taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana.
March 2022: Performed at Shane Warne's memorial service
In March 2022, Elton John performed "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" at the memorial service for Australian cricketer Shane Warne.
March 2022: Release of digitally remastered version of Diamonds
In March 2022, Elton John released a digitally remastered version of his Diamonds compilation album on streaming platforms to celebrate his 75th birthday.
June 2022: Platinum Party at the Palace Performance
In June 2022, John's pre-recorded performance of "Your Song" at Windsor Castle was projected onto Buckingham Palace for the Platinum Party at the Palace, celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
August 2022: Collaboration with Britney Spears on "Hold Me Closer"
In August 2022, Elton John collaborated with Britney Spears on the song "Hold Me Closer", which marked Spears' first new musical release in six years.
September 2022: Tribute to Elizabeth II
Following the death of Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, John paid tribute to her during a show, acknowledging her leadership and grace during significant moments in the country's history.
October 2022: Opening of Tammy Faye musical
In October 2022, the musical Tammy Faye, for which Elton John wrote the music, opened at the Almeida Theatre in London.
November 2022: Appeared in documentary "If These Walls Could Sing"
In November 2022, Elton John was among the people interviewed for the documentary film "If These Walls Could Sing", directed by Mary McCartney, about the recording studios at Abbey Road, which premiered in November 2022.
December 2022: Left Twitter due to policy changes
On December 9, 2022, Elton John left Twitter due to changes in its rules made by Elon Musk, stating his concern about the spread of misinformation. Musk responded, inviting him back and questioning which misinformation he was concerned about.
2022: Acknowledgment of Ryan White's Family
At a 2022 concert in Indianapolis, US, John said he got sober after spending time with the family of Ryan White, expressing gratitude for their influence in changing his lifestyle.
2022: National Humanities Medal
In 2022, after John performed at the White House, President Joe Biden surprised him by presenting him with the National Humanities Medal, celebrating his contributions to the humanities.
2022: Received the National Humanities Medal
In 2022, after performing at the White House, US President Joe Biden surprised Elton John by presenting him with the National Humanities Medal.
February 2023: Donation to Ukraine via United24
On 23 February 2023, The Elton John AIDS Foundation donated $125,000 via United24 to purchase ten biochemistry analysers, to help Ukrainians living with HIV to continue to access high-quality care and treatment.
June 2023: Glastonbury Festival headliner
On 25 June 2023, Elton John headlined the Glastonbury Festival, performing on the Pyramid Stage and closing the festival with a two-hour performance.
June 2023: Commented on Phillip Schofield's affair
On June 20, 2023, Elton John commented that the reaction to Phillip Schofield's secret affair with a younger colleague was "totally homophobic."
July 2023: Final concert of the farewell tour
On 8 July 2023, Elton John performed the final concert of his farewell tour in Stockholm at the Tele2 Arena. At the time, the tour was the highest-grossing tour ever.
July 2023: Gave evidence at Kevin Spacey's trial
On July 17, 2023, Elton John gave evidence as a defense witness at Kevin Spacey's sexual assault trial.
2023: Addressed politicians on eradicating AIDS
In 2023, Elton John addressed a cross-party gathering of politicians at Westminster, stating that the winner of the next general election could help to eradicate AIDS worldwide by the end of the decade.
October 2024: Surprise appearance at documentary premiere
On 1 October 2024, Elton John made a surprise appearance at the United States premiere of his documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late, at Alice Tully Hall in New York City. He performed "Tiny Dancer".
December 2024: Public opposition to cannabis legalisation
In December 2024, Elton John made public his opposition to cannabis legalisation, describing its legalisation in Canada and parts of the United States as "one of the greatest mistakes of our time."
December 2024: New waxwork revealed at Madame Tussauds
In December 2024, Madame Tussauds revealed a new wax work of Elton John, designed as their most ambitious figure ever, featuring John in his 1970s heyday suspended mid-air over his rhinestone piano in his signature handstand move.
December 2024: Loss of Eyesight
On December 1, 2024, John revealed that he had lost his eyesight, following a severe eye infection contracted in July that left him blind in his right eye and with limited vision in his left.
2024: Time's Icon of the Year
He was also named Time's 2024 Icon of the Year.
2024: Publicly supported Labour at general election
In 2024, Elton John returned to publicly supporting the Labour Party at the general election, endorsing its leader, Keir Starmer, to become prime minister.
2024: Achieving EGOT Status
In 2024, John became the 19th person to achieve EGOT status after winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.
2024: Assisted Biden at Stonewall National Monument opening
In 2024, during the US presidential election, Elton John assisted Joe Biden at the opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York City, the first LGBTQ center in the National Park Service's network.
October 2025: Performance at Singapore Grand Prix
On 5 October 2025, Elton John performed at the Singapore Grand Prix for an audience of over 70,000, the largest crowd since his retirement from touring.
2025: Expressed betrayal over copyright laws
In 2025, Elton John said he felt "incredibly betrayed" by the Labour government over plans to exempt technology firms from copyright laws, criticizing Keir Starmer and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle.
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