Elton John Dazzles In Intimate Performance to Fight Multiple Sclerosis


Elton John performs at the 20th Annual Race To Erase MS Gala.
Michael Buckner / Getty Images for Race To Erase MS

By Steve Baltin
May 4, 2013

Last night, Elton John performed at the 20th annual Race To Erase MS benefit in Los Angeles. The event is put on by activist and author Nancy Davis to raise funds and awareness for the fight against multiple sclerosis. It's grown considerably since its start, from a ski event in Colorado to a celeb-laden dinner and concert that in recent years has featured the Eagles, Heart and more. Despite that expansion, there was a feeling of community and intimacy last night at the Century Plaza Hotel. Jack Osbourne, who was diagnosed with MS last year, was honored along with his mother, Sharon Osbourne...

In recent years, John has been focused on his Las Vegas residencies and hasn't toured much. Last night Ziggy Marley and country star Kellie Pickler got their first-ever opportunity to witness him live...

Marley, like Guns N' Roses guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, was on hand because of personal connections to the illness. "We have a friend who suffers from MS and she invited us here to lend support to the cause," Marley said. Thal explained, "One of my best friends was stricken with the disease about 15 years ago and we started a non-profit organization, a group in New Jersey, the MS Research Foundation. I am here to give my positive vibes, my support, anything I can do to help spread awareness."

Thal summed up the aim of all those in attendance last night when he said "We all have the same goal here. We want to do something to maintain the quality of life [for those] that have this disease."

Full article at:
www.rollingstone.com/music/news/elton-john-dazzles-in-intimate-performance-to-fight-multiple-sclerosis-20130504