Mary Poppins star Dick Van Dyke has appeared in the spotlight once more in Coldplay's new music video. The release comes just ahead of his 99th birthday. Filmed at his Malibu home, the seven-minute video is heartfelt and reflective. It shows Van Dyke looking back on his life and thinking about growing older. "I know I could go any day now," he admits, "but I don't understand why it doesn't bother me. I'm not scared."
The video is set to the emotional song "All My Love." Directed by Mary Wigmore and filmmaker Spike Jonze, known for works like Being John Malkovich and Her, it offers a close and personal view of Van Dyke's life. The video shows keepsakes from his career, including a life-sized figure of Bert, his Mary Poppins character. He even performs "The Twizzle," a playful dance from The Dick Van Dyke Show, while Chris Martin strums his guitar on the patio. Later, Van Dyke dances barefoot with his wife, Arlene Silver. Both wear bowler hats in a charming and timeless scene.
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One of the most emotional parts features a tribute to his children: Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth. Holding a photo of Stacy as a young girl, he shares how she brings him comfort in his dreams. His large family, including grandchildren, soon joins him in singing and dancing. Martin, inspired by the moment, creates a new song on the spot. Van Dyke looks delighted as the joyful scene unfolds.
Fans of The Music Man will love how Van Dyke’s classic charm fits perfectly with Coldplay’s modern sound. The collaboration celebrates enduring talent, family bonds, and love. It’s a fitting addition to Coldplay’s 10th album, Moon Music. A shorter version of the video will come out on December 13, Van Dyke’s 99th birthday, keeping his unique spark alive.
Elton John hiding truth about health – ‘refuses to be seen as weak’
Recent reports suggest Elton John can no longer say, “I’m Still Standing.”
After nearly 60 years of legendary performances, Elton John’s legacy will live on forever. However, sources reveal the 77-year-old icon is struggling with his declining health. He reportedly “can barely move without help,” but remains “committed to maintaining his grand image.”
Keep reading to learn how Elton is hiding his worsening condition!
Elton John has faced many life-threatening moments in his career. In 2013, he narrowly escaped death due to appendicitis.
“I felt like a ticking time bomb,” John admitted. “I could have died at any moment.” John, one of the few artists with EGOT status, is no stranger to serious health scares.
In 2017, he experienced life-threatening complications after undergoing prostate cancer treatment. “I didn’t realize how close I was to dying,” he confessed. The five-time Grammy winner explained, “I kept praying, saying, ‘Please, let me recover. I need to be there for my kids.’”
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More recently, the “Nikita” singer revealed he is recovering after suffering vision loss.
All About Sir Elton John's Hair Transplant Journey (Source: jaepakmd.com)
On September 6, Elton John and his 61-year-old husband David Furnish appeared at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). They were there for the premiere of Elton John: Never Too Late. It marked Elton’s first public outing since his vision became impaired.
The documentary highlights Elton’s incredible journey—from his iconic Madison Square Garden performance in 1974 to his final concert at Dodger Stadium in 2022. It also gives a glimpse into his personal life with Furnish, whom he met in 1993 and married in 2014. Together, they have two sons: Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11, both born via a surrogate.
Facing mortality
The “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” singer is forever celebrated in the music world. Yet, he’s aware of his mortality and admits his sons worry about him dying soon.
In the film, Elton shares, “Zachary and Elijah think about my death. They’re scared I won’t be here.”
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He adds, “David doesn’t worry as much, but I do. The boys love their dad so much. They want me to be here forever, and I want that too.”
Elton John Announces Book About 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' Tour (Source: www.rollingstone.com)
Strong and resilient
David Furnish also opens up about how the topic of death affects Elton.
“Watching those scenes caused him a lot of stress,” Furnish said. “I don’t think it’s something you should discuss with kids. I don’t want to put that thought in their heads.”
However, Furnish reassures everyone, “Elton’s been through so much, but he’s unbelievably strong. He rarely cancels a show. He’s tough and a fighter. Honestly, I think he’ll outlive me.”
After 30 years together, Furnish calls this time in their lives “a dream come true.”
Still, insiders claim the “Rocket Man” singer’s health is worse than he lets on. He’s reportedly doing all he can to hide his frailty from the public.
A family insider says Elton’s custom purple golf cart at TIFF was “a clever way to hide” that he needs a wheelchair. “Elton doesn’t want anyone to see him looking weak. He’s determined to keep up his larger-than-life persona.”
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The source continued, “The truth is, he struggles to move without help. Half the time, he’s unsure where he’s going. The golf cart helps him avoid cameras catching his struggles.”
Right now, Elton’s focus is on cementing his legacy. “He wants to tell his story as an artist, a husband, and a father before anyone else tries to tell it for him,” the insider explained.
Elton John: Never Too Late will be available to stream on Disney+ starting December 13, 2024.
Let us know your thoughts on this story, and don’t forget to share it with others. Let’s send our best wishes to Elton and his family!
Taylor Swift Surprises 96-Year-Old WWII Veteran & Superfan For Christmas
Music icon Taylor Swift gave 96-year-old Cyrus Porter, a Second World War veteran and big fan, an unforgettable Christmas surprise. She visited him, chatted, and performed a song. When she arrived, the family greeted her with cheers. After the excitement settled, she played "Shake It Off" on her acoustic guitar, turning the room into a lively singalong.
Swift started by wishing everyone a merry Christmas. She gave high fives to the children before speaking to Mr. Porter. She said, “My dad showed me a video of you saying you wanted to attend one of my concerts. I’m not sure when my next tour will be, so I thought I’d bring the concert to you. We can even take requests.”
Taylor’s parents were with her for the visit. During their chat, she told Mr. Porter that her grandfather had also fought in the Second World War. Mr. Porter, clearly moved, stood up and shared a quick story about his time in the war. Then, Swift picked up her guitar and performed a cheerful version of "Shake It Off." The kids danced, and the rest of the family joined in singing.
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Chris Porter, a family member, shared a video of the touching moment. He praised Swift, saying she was a person of great character. He noted how she didn’t try to take the spotlight when she entered the room. Instead, she seemed genuinely thankful and moved by their warm welcome.
Fans were also impressed by Swift’s kindness when the video appeared online. Many commented on her down-to-earth personality and generosity. One said, “She truly cares about people. What a beautiful moment for the family.” Another added, “This made me tear up. The kindest thing I’ve seen in a long time.”
Swift often takes time to meet her fans and attends intimate events like this. For more of her music and updates, you can follow her Instagram or subscribe to her YouTube channel.
David Bowie & Bing Crosby's Gorgeous Duet On "Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy"
Here’s an unexpected duo: Bing Crosby, a classic star from the past, joined forces with a young David Bowie to sing the beautiful Christmas song "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy."
The performance starts with a brief comedy act. Then, the two deliver a slow and emotional version of "Little Drummer Boy." They begin singing together, but soon Bowie takes the lead with his soaring tenor voice, while Crosby adds a deep and smooth baritone.
During part of the song, Bowie sings "Peace on Earth" while Crosby sticks to "Little Drummer Boy." The two melodies overlap in a unique way that feels surprisingly natural. This memorable recording was made back in 1977.
Recently, the duet has gained attention because it was included in this year’s release of Bing Crosby's Christmas Gems. You can watch the duo perform the song in the video below.
The story behind this collaboration is quite unusual. Bowie, always known for breaking the mold, arrived at the taping of Crosby's TV special with his wife Angie. The pair stood out with bold red hair and full makeup. Nathaniel Crosby, Bing’s son, remembered that the shoot almost didn’t happen. He said producers asked Bowie to remove his lipstick and earring, describing the contrast between Bowie and Crosby as "unbelievable."
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Bowie didn’t stop shaking things up there. Crosby’s music directors, Ian Fraser and Larry Grossman, had planned a simple version of "Little Drummer Boy" for the two to sing. But Bowie wasn’t happy. Fraser recalled Bowie saying, "I hate this song. Can I sing something else?"
Faced with Bowie’s dislike of the song, Fraser, Grossman, and scriptwriter Buz Kohan quickly wrote "Peace on Earth" on the spot. They finished the new arrangement in just over an hour. Bowie was satisfied with the change and recorded it with Crosby soon after. The final performance, captured on tape, is what you see in the first video above.
Recording directly onto tape in those days left little room for error. Yet Bowie and Crosby delivered a flawless version of the duet in a single hour. This showed their incredible talent and the skill of the team behind the song. Kohan noted that Crosby embraced the challenge of singing the new arrangement and adapted beautifully without losing his signature style.
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The song, "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy," climbed to number three on the UK charts and became one of Bowie’s biggest hits. Sadly, Crosby passed away from a heart attack just a month after the session. The Washington Post later called the duet "one of the most successful Christmas music collaborations in history."
