Elton John: Get Back To Russia

Russian promoters have insisted two Elton John shows "will go ahead as planned" despite concerns over the country's crackdown on gay rights.

In June President Vladimir Putin signed a national law banning the "propaganda of homosexuality" to minors.

Sir Elton vowed last month to raise the issue on stage when he plays tonight's sold out date in Moscow and a show in the Volga city of Kazan on Saturday.

The singer said he also planned to "meet with the LGBT community" there. 

Russian promoters, SAV Entertainment, issued a statement reassuring fans that the two shows would be going ahead.

"Despite the groundless rumours spread by the internet and media that Elton John's concerts in Russia could be cancelled, the organiser assures you that Elton John's shows in Moscow and Kazan will go ahead as planned," it said.

Last month, the British singer told CNN that he was "going to say something from the stage that's... going to be meaningful". 

BBC News.

Nonsense: From who else but The Independent!

Erm, did anyone seriously think there was any chance these concerts would be cancelled?
Apart from all the usual gay hysterics - and the ever woeful Independent, natch >>> - who literally have no idea what's actually going on in Russia right now, and think it's JUST LIKE NAZI GERMANY!!?
I GIVE UP!!!

PS Here's what Elton John said onstage in Moscow on Friday night...

You took me to your hearts all these years ago and you’ve always welcomed me with warmth and open arms any time I’ve visited. You have always embraced me and you have never judged me. So I am deeply saddened and shocked over the current legislation that is now in place against the LGBT community here in Russia. In my opinion, it is inhumane and it is isolating. People have demanded that because of this legislation, I must not come here to Russia. But many, many more people asked me to come and I listened to them. I love coming here.

I want to show them and the world that I care and that I don’t believe in isolating people. Music is a very powerful thing. It brings people together irrespective of their age, their race, their sexuality, or their religion. It does not discriminate. Look around you tonight. You see men, women, young and old, gay and straight. Thousands of Russia people enjoying the music. We’re all here together in harmony and harmony is what makes a happy family and a strong society.

The spirit we share tonight is what builds a future of equality, love and compassion for my children and for your children. Please don’t leave it behind when you leave tonight. Each and every one of you please, keep this spirit in your life and in your heart. I wish you love and peace and health and happiness. And this show is dedicated to the memory of Vladislav Tornovoi.

Nicely put.
Here's a blurry long distance smartphone video of it.

Thanks for coming/going, sir.

Read more on the murder of Vladislav Tornovoi here.

PS I'd like to add some quotes from Sir Elton where he spoke out against Britain's Section 28 - so please send these in.