Elton John joins Joe Biden at Stonewall Monument Center
Ahead of the upcoming US election and the New York City Pride March, Elton John was seen joining President Joe Biden at the Stonewall National Monument Visitors Center this weekend.
The memorial opened on June 28th and is meant to stand in recognition of the Stonewall riots, which took place in 1969. In the early hours of July 28th, 1969, The Stonewall Inn in New York City was raided by police, offset by protestors fighting back for what was seen as the persecution of homosexual minorities.
During the ceremony, John talked about the importance of the Stonewall riots, telling Associated Press, “55 years ago, in this sacred spot of the Stonewall Uprising, gay activists stood strong and ignited a movement that has changed history for the better. Do we stand up for our vision and our values, or let misinformation and senseless scapegoating turn back the clock? No fucking way.”
This movement also marks the first time that the Stonewall Monument Center has seen its grand entrance since progress was started in 2016. Put into motion by former President Barack Obama, the national monument now serves as a museum for the riots and an education center.
In addition to his appearance, John performed a few enduring classics from his solo catalogue, along with other supporting artists like Katy Perry. Closing the event, John tore through such classics as ‘Bennie and the Jets’, ‘I’m Still Standing‘, and ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’.
Meanwhile, John has also been pledged support to the Labour Party ahead of the general election in the United Kingdom on July 4th. “Looking to support the next generation who have a calling in the arts,” John explained, “There is only one choice. Let’s help artists cut through the red tape that prevents them from thriving and contributing to this country’s future success.”
This is also far from the first time John has shown his support for the gay community. In the wake of losing his friend and fan Ryan White to AIDS, John also started the nonprofit organisation, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which seeks to provide financial support to anyone living with the disease as well as prevent any kind of neglectful behaviour surrounding the afflicted.
On the musical front, John has also been keeping busy, with longtime partner Bernie Taupin saying that a new album is in the works and is nearing completion. As of yet, there has been no word on any release date.
