People News Roundup: Elton John blasts Putin for calling liberal values 'obsolete'

Following is a summary of current people news briefs.

Elton John delivers message of tolerance at first, last Montreux show

Elton John made his first and last appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival on Saturday, delivering a slick and energetic performance that ended with a message of tolerance and love. The British singer's 2-1/2-hour show, part of his "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour begun last year, opened with "Bennie and the Jets", followed by early 1970s hits including "Tiny Dancer", "Rocket Man" and "Your Song".

Elton John blasts Putin for calling liberal values 'obsolete'

British singer Elton John said on Friday he was deeply upset by Russian President Vladimir Putin's comment that liberal values were "obsolete" and had been rejected by the majority of people in Western nations. In an interview with the Financial Times newspaper, Putin said German Chancellor Angela Merkel had erred by adopting a liberal policy toward immigration from the Middle East.