Elton is no diva. That verdict comes from director Robert Falls. He recalls that the singer was open and attentive when beginning work on Aida. He ''valued'' his collaborators, admitting his unfamiliarity with theatrical storytelling. Tim Rice was impressed, noting that Elton achieved a ''new freshness'' in a different environment. (April 21, 2003 The Columbus Dispatch)

THAT'S RICH

Who was one of the most sought-after guitarists in Los Angeles? Here's a hint: he appeared on Nigel Olsson and 21 at 33. But Richie Zito soon turned to producing, says Cheaptrashnyc.tripod.com. Besides projects with the likes of the Motels and Eddie Money, he contributed to the 1987 soundtrack for The Lost Boys. You might recall that this included Roger Daltry's rendition of Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me. And as you may know, this is edition 33 of this eZine!

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Pals of Michael Douglas try to touch his. Angelica Huston keeps hers on a desk while Kevin Costner utilises his screening room. Elton's is in one of his favorite spots, which is the library. The cherished possessions aren't jewels but Oscars, celebrated in the April 2003 issue of InStyle.

CALLING COLIN

What does an EJAF Oscar fundraiser have in common with Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry auction and Hugh Hefner's nuptials? All were produced by Colin Cowie, who specialises in interior design and event planning. He has written five books on style and entertaining, with two more planned for next year. (Colin Cowie website)

WALDORF BALLAD

Would you like a striped MAC tote with Elton's double cd Greatest Hits, shaving cream and tennis socks? They were among the items given to guests like Ingrid Sischy, Cornelia Guest, Steve Kroft and Tina Brown on April 14, 2003. But the folks were already content, having witnessed a 40-minute performance by Elton and Lionel Richie at the Waldorf Astoria for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. (Newyorksocialdiary.com)

LIL'FRIGERATOR

Did you know that our man helped to establish a restaurant? This was the Sunset Strip's Le Dome back in 1977, says Seeing-stars.com. Quite a few big names including Elton, have had events here. But a singular, if less than tasteful one, was in 2000. When Suzanne Pleshette's husband died, she threw a going-away party/wake at the French eatery.

I'VE SEEN THAT MOVIE TOO

Elton once did the introduction at a Los Angeles premiere. In 1978, he spoke to 1,000 guests, including Bernie Taupin, Alice Cooper and Minnie Riperton. Then they went across the street to a four-level disco and drank champagne. It was for a four-minute movie commercial for Ego. Talk about short films! (March-April 1978 Official Elton John Fan Club Newsletter)

MARCHING IN MILAN

Curious as to how Elton got to know some of his designer pals? Bill Whitten (see HH #30) believes the Troubadour's Doug Weston introduced them. On his website, Whitten says that they bonded, due to a similar background of ''personal restrictions.'' Years later, Elton met Gianni Versace through Donatella. It turns out that she was the family socialite: A&E's Biography (April 15, 2003) says her brother preferred to stay home with a book. Hard to believe, isn't it?

A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

He enjoys creating objects with ''wit,'' such as the Rocketman's
room-size headboard. His table was part of the 2001 White Tie and Tiara auction. The late Queen Mother wrote the forward to his first book on furniture and design. I'm speaking about David Linley, of course, son of Lord Snowdon and Princess Margaret. Yet he still calls himself ''chippy''! (April 15, 2001 CBS News broadcast; July 6, 2001 London Evening Standard)

A NOVEL EXPERIENCE

Imagine going to a store to learn that Elton was just there. It
happened to Dennis Hensley, but that's not all. Elton had just purchased three copies of his nineties novel about an L.A. screenwriter and his buddies, ''Misadventures in the (213).'' Dennis has since come out with a self-penned cd, and cites Elton, Trisha Yearwood and John Mayer as influences. (April 14, 2003 email; Dennis Hensley website)

BOY BANDS

Elton doesn't consider the Backstreet Boys or 'NSYNC to be rock: That's supposed to be controversial, and about ''getting down and dirty.'' Hmmm--could that be why he teamed up with Eminem in 2001? (Cbsnews.com)

LET ME BE YOUR CAR

What did Elton's U.S. record company give him when he turned 40? It was a Ferrari Testarosa, one of the cars he auctioned off in 2001. Another was the ''Beast'': The musician gave his Aston Martin the name because of its roar. All were kept in heated garages and maintained so they were always ready. But Elton's chauffeur often drove. That's because it was ''safer'' when listening to tunes, said Carey Wallace of Christie's in London. (Cnn.com)

SMILING FACES

Could you picture ''Reg'' singing When Irish Eyes Are Smiling? He did it for his first public gig, smartly dressed in his best tweed jacket. Later on at Northwood Hills Pub, he included selections from Rockabilly Hall of Famer Bruce Channel as well as Ray Charles. There was no Sinatra, although his dad gave him Songs For Swinging Lovers for his seventh birthday. But then, our guy HAD wanted a bicycle! (Eltons.tripod.com; br.geocities.com/rebalancer3/elton.html)

ELTON AND THE ATTRACTIONS

Did you know that American Airlines passengers had an opportunity to listen to an all-Elton channel? There were 26 songs, according to the March 2003 inflight guide, AAtractions. There were concert staples like Youg Song and Crocodile Rock, but perhaps more obscure treats like Believe and Little Jeannie were also included.

WRAP IT UP

Who can be seen backstage at some of Elton's shows, holding plastic wrap and a cooler? That's Syd Mandelbaum of Cedarhurst, NY. His 7-year-old Rock and Wrap It Up! collects tour leftovers for soup kitchens. A 1998 fundraiser included two cds signed by Elton, a supporter for many years. (April 9 & 10, 2003 emails; March 8, 2000 CBS News broadcast; rockandwrapitup website)

A HAND TO RUN THE FARM

His name might not ring a bell, but Kenneth Fulk brought prominent acts to an unlikely locale. Because of him, Elton, Sonny and Cher and the Jackson Five performed at the Iowa State Fair. The recently deceased Fulk was secretary and general manager from '62-'76. During his tenure, the once mostly agricultural event had record attendance and profits. . .And no wonder! (April 16, 2003 San Francisco Chronicle; April 20, 2003 New York Times)

BLUE AND GOLD

Elton's soccer team, the Watford Hornets, as you may realise, went under other names prior to 1960. They were known as the Wasps, Magpies, Brewers, Blues and Golden Boys. The transition took place under its late director Jim Bonser. In 1973, he was succeeded by Elton, who exclaimed, ''This is the greatest day of my life!'' But I doubt this is the first--or last--time he's said that! (March-April 1978 Official Elton John Fan Club Newsletter)