Julian Lennon Tells Rolling Stone "I Am Quite Happy Where I Am"

Julian Lennon is busy promoting his latest album Everything Changes. Rolling Stone spoke with the Grammy nominated singer-songwriter about his new music, his love for photography and working with Aerosmith.



Fifteen years after the release of his last album, Julian Lennon was ready Friday night to celebrate his return to public life as an artist, both musical and visual. The 50-year-old Lennon's new album, Everything Changes, is a modern, mature version of the pop songs and balladry that began his career in 1984 on the platinum-selling Valotte, but he says he is just as committed to his new work as a photographer.

"It's made me feel more free with any artistic project," Lennon told Rolling Stone, noting his surprise at the positive reviews for his pictures, beginning with his first gallery show in New York in 2010. "It was like the bizarre final acceptance of being seen as an artist in my own right after so many years. Thank God for that. That spurred me on."

As the new album played, Lennon was joined by guests at the Morrison Hotel Gallery, located in the lobby of the Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Hollywood, where his behind-the-scenes pictures of U2 shared wall space with Lennon's quietly epic landscapes. Dressed in black jeans and leather jacket, Lennon was noticeably bulked up, like a man who knows his way around a gym. Read more at Rolling Stone

Billy Joel And Elton John End Feud at Songwriters Hall of Fame Celebration

Billy Joel and Sir Elton John ended their feud at the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony in New York City on Thursday night after Joel told the 'Rocket Man' to call him just after he introduced inductees Mick Jones and Lou Gramm of Foreigner.

The former pals and touring partners fell out in 2011 when the Brit publicly accused Joel of not taking rehab seriously as he attempted to battle alcoholism in a blunt magazine interview, during which he also suggested the New Yorker was lazy.

The I'm Still Standing rocker told Rolling Stone, "He's going to hate me for this, but every time he goes to rehab they've been light. When I went to rehab, I had to clean the floors. He goes to rehab where they have TVs. I love you, Billy, and this is tough love."

He added, "At the end of the day, he's coasting. I always say, 'Billy, can't you write another song?' It's either fear or laziness. It upsets me."

Joel was clearly saddened by Elton's comments and publicly reprimanded him, but revisiting the feud in a New York Times Magazine article, which was published last month (May13), it appeared the My Life hitmaker had mellowed, stating, "He (Elton) tends to shoot off his mouth - he shoots from the hip. I think his heart is in the right place. Maybe he's trying to motivate me, to get me mad or something. He's kind of like a mom."

Joel also recently stated he would be interested in performing with his fellow rock pianist again.

Elton, who was honored with the Johnny Mercer Award at the music gala, offered to officially end the pair's stand-off at the Songwriters Hall of Fame event when he took the stage and said, "I didn't see you tonight Mr. Joel, but I want to see you."

And his gamble paid off - Joel later took to the microphone and asked, "Is Elton still here by the way?" before adding, "Anyway, we're OK. Call me. It's the same phone number."

As well as Elton and his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry and singer-songwriter J.D. Souther were saluted at Marriott Marquis Hotel gala, while Motown founder Berry Gordy was handed the Pioneer Award.