Elton John Views ‘Rainbow-Colored Wave of Love’ After Orlando Massacre
Elton John was “devastated” upon learning of the Orlando massacre, in which 49 people were shot and killed at a gay club this weekend. During his Tuesday concert in London, the performer said he’s since found hope in the “rainbow-colored wave of love” that has united the world in a “fight against prejudice,” Billboard reports.
“When a horror like this massacre in Orlando comes along, great agony crashes across the world like a tsunami,” he said. “And great grief. We feel shocked, angry and feel devastated inside for the victims and the loved ones who are mourning them.”
“What I find extraordinary, and what really gives me strength and hope, is that immediately behind that devastation came a different wave,” he continued. “A rainbow-colored wave of love, from Istanbul to Tel Aviv, from Sydney Opera House to the Eiffel Tower to the Empire State Building and the White House … So tonight, while I would like to honor and mourn the LGBT community’s loss in Orlando and the loss of everyone who has been a victim of hate and stigma and dogma, I would like to say tonight we are winning the fight against prejudice. The rainbow around the world tells me we can and we will win against these people.”
Following the shooting, several musicians have shared their poignant thoughts with Rolling Stone. “The tragic killings in Orlando remind us that, though advances in our community have been many and great in the recent future,” said singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright. “Being out of the closet in most of the world is unequivocally a matter of life and death, and these horrifying events sadly illustrate that stark fact.”
Melissa Etheridge said she processed the news through songwriting. “I feel called to speak; to do what musicians do. We’ve been the town criers for hundreds of years. We’re mirrors of society. We want to try to make sense. We want to try to heal. We want to bring some meaning, some purpose. We also want to put it down forever in history. That’s how I’m coping.”
Watch Lady Gaga’s emotional tribute to the victims of the Orlando shooting.