Musical genius Elton John appeared at an intimate gathering tonight made up of supporters in the fight against AIDS at Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, Sydney.
It's all part of World AIDS Day, and John's appearance no doubt helped draw the right news media, Sydney business elite and humanitarians to the venue on little over 24 hours notice from what we understand.
The artist is fresh off two appearances at The Star (ex Star City Casino) The Lyric which was on the 26th and 27th October.
Tonight it was a case of style, substance and passion (including some well placed passionate cuss words from Mr John) over style (not that there wasn't style in the room - there sure was), but everyone knew that real action was required. John is actually the head fundraiser of his own Elton John Foundation. There was no real publicity stunt (unless you wanted to include John's passionate and well placed colourful cussing which helped emphasise importance and realness of the issues).
John commended Australia on not letting AIDS become a political scoring match, but something that brought everyone together. He said he believed some stigma still existed with the topic of AIDS, but that people knew it was "not just a faggots disease anymore."
VIP's took to the stage to back up John's quest included Hon Anthony Albanese MP Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Hon Jillian Skinner MP NSW Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research and Bill Bowtell Executive Director: Pacific Friends of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
To close off the event John cut the ribbon and the Sydney Opera House lit up in beautiful red to commemorate World Aids Day. An impressive fireworks display alongside our Opera House followed, and the VIP's kindly made themselves available to photographers and other media.
Public thanks to Elton John, Nick (media) and Will (for the wonderful red ribbons).
A big congrats to John and his team for their ongoing great work in their quest to find a cure to AIDS and other serious social challenges.
Websites
Elton John official website
Overseas Passenger Terminal Venue Management
Pacific Friends of the Global Fund
Sydney Opera House
The Star
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Splash News
Media Man News
Music News Australia
