Elton John Celebrates 35 Years of Sobriety & Duets with Spinal Tap on 'Stonehenge'
This week, Sir Elton John is celebrating a personal milestone and sharing new music with the public.
On July 29, John made an Instagram post commemorating 35 years of sobriety. His photo showed handmade cards from his sons, Elijah and Zachary, alongside a bouquet of flowers.
Check out our selection of free stations streaming Elton John music at Live365.com.
“Grateful for all the love on my sobriety birthday,” he captioned the post, which drew thousands of comments from fans and friends.
John, 78, has long been open about his past struggles with addiction. In interviews, he has spoken candidly about the extremes of his life during the height of his fame. His battle with alcohol, marijuana and what he once called his “worst best friend” — cocaine — was even dramatized in the 2019 biopic, Rocketman.
“It nearly destroyed my soul,” he told CBS News in October 2019 of his addiction. “My soul was black, like a charred piece of steak, until I said, ‘I need help.’ And suddenly, a little pilot light in my soul came along going, ‘Yes, I’m still here. I’m still here. I’m still here. I can still be rescued.’”
Billboard reports John's turning point came after the 1990 death of Ryan White: a teenage AIDS activist whom he befriended. That same year, John checked himself into Chicago’s Parkside Lutheran Hospital, beginning what would become a decades-long journey in recovery. Now, John continues to be a source of support for others in recovery. He publicly helped Boy George through sobriety, and revealed in his memoir, Me, he was Eminem’s Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor.
As for John's other big win this week - the "Tiny Dancer" pop legend and fictional band Spinal Tap have shared a reimagining of 1984’s “Stonehenge” for the comedy movie Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. There will be a new album to go with the film - also called The End Continues - that is due September 12.
The End Continues is the fourth album from the fictitious band Spinal Tap. Their debut, This Is Spinal Tap, came out with the first film in 1984, and Break Like the Wind and Back From the Dead followed in 1992 and 2009, respectively. For a movie-made band, their discography is quite vast.
“Stonehenge” is one of four songs on The End Continues that’s been reimagined for the new film and soundtrack. According to Pitchfork, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood will also be featured on the new album with John and make appearances in the flick.
See Elton John's sobriety Instagram post and listen to "Stonehenge" below.
Check out our selection of free stations streaming Elton John music at Live365.com.
Rather listen on our app? Download the Live365 app on iOS or Android. Ready to start your own station? Contact one of our Product Consultants or visit our website today. Keep up with the latest news by following us on Facebook (Live365 (Official) and Live365 Broadcasting) and Twitter (@Live365 and @Broadcast365)! You can also shop Live365 swag and branded merchandise at store.live365.com.
Article Image: Elton John smiles and waves to fans during a 2012 concert in Taiwan. (ChinaImages via DepositPhotos.)