Thursday, October 07, 2004

Elton's Hissy Fit

Sir Elton John's recent four-letter outburst sent shivers down the spines of those involved in the music industry...and quite rightly so. At the recent Q Awards, he launched a scathing attack on the Queen of Pop Madonna:

"Madonna - best f****** live act? F*** off. Since when has lip-synching been live? Anyone who lip-synchs in public on stage when you pay 75 pounds (134 dollars, 109 euros) to see them should be shot. That's me off her f****** Christmas card list but do I give a toss? No."

Mrs Guy Ritchie aka Madge had been nominated for her Reinvention tour but (fortunately) did not clinch the award - that honour went to the brilliant British band
Muse .

Whether Madonna was miming or not, I think Elton's right, although ranting about it may not have been the best way, it did ensure newspaper headlines. If bands/singers are supposedly singing/performing "live" then that's what it should be - they shouldn't be miming to the song, exhausting dance routine or not. The odd off key here and there just adds to the flavour that is live music. I don't care if people can't hit the high notes, I admire the fact that they can perform then and there, in front of an audience. Recently watching Top of the Pops,
Marilyn Manson's vocals for "Personal Jesus" started whilst he was still busy scowling and posing at the crowd, so he had to get to the mike quick to catch up with it..very poor.

I remember watching
Dido sing live at some awards ceremony last year (MTV Europe?) - her voice was beautiful, the song was perfect and she was accompanied only by a sole guitarist. Now that was live music at it's best!

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