Curti
12-01-2001, 7:27pm
Elton John Says New Album Is Last
Sat, Dec 1 2:55 PM EST
Fans cheered his music, but sighed in disappointment when rock legend Elton John announced his newest CD, "Songs From the West Coast," will be his last.
"It's the last record that I ever make," he said Friday from the stage at the sold-out Verizon Wireless Arena.
"I'm fed up with it. I like playing to you guys but I hate the record industry," John said. "I've made 40 albums and its about time for me to get out."
In addition to performing a long list of his familiar hits, John introduced the audience to several tunes from "Songs From the West Coast."
The CD gets back to the basics, with John returning to his piano and a swinging, bluesy style.
The CD, issued in October, features guest appearances by Stevie Wonder and Billy Preston. It also marks the first full-album collaboration between John and longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin since 1997.
One tune, "American Triangle," is John's reaction to the 1998 murder of gay Wyoming college student Matthew Shepard.
John ended Friday's concert with a tribute to George Harrison. He said when he first came to America, and his album "Elton John" was number 18 on the charts, Harrison sent him a congratulatory telegram.
"I've never forgotten that gesture. It was such a mind-blowing gesture," John said. "I want to dedicate (Your Song) to him for all the wonderful music he's given us over the years. Wherever you are, George, be happy. God Bless You."
Sat, Dec 1 2:55 PM EST
Fans cheered his music, but sighed in disappointment when rock legend Elton John announced his newest CD, "Songs From the West Coast," will be his last.
"It's the last record that I ever make," he said Friday from the stage at the sold-out Verizon Wireless Arena.
"I'm fed up with it. I like playing to you guys but I hate the record industry," John said. "I've made 40 albums and its about time for me to get out."
In addition to performing a long list of his familiar hits, John introduced the audience to several tunes from "Songs From the West Coast."
The CD gets back to the basics, with John returning to his piano and a swinging, bluesy style.
The CD, issued in October, features guest appearances by Stevie Wonder and Billy Preston. It also marks the first full-album collaboration between John and longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin since 1997.
One tune, "American Triangle," is John's reaction to the 1998 murder of gay Wyoming college student Matthew Shepard.
John ended Friday's concert with a tribute to George Harrison. He said when he first came to America, and his album "Elton John" was number 18 on the charts, Harrison sent him a congratulatory telegram.
"I've never forgotten that gesture. It was such a mind-blowing gesture," John said. "I want to dedicate (Your Song) to him for all the wonderful music he's given us over the years. Wherever you are, George, be happy. God Bless You."