Billy Masters 04.17.25

"What in the faggotry are you talking about?"

—Gayle King quotes a Matteo Lane joke to his face. While many people have their panties in a bunch over Gayle's use of the word "faggotry", Matteo gets the last word. "I love you Gayle King".


Détente. That was the word Patti LuPone used when she reunited with Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber at the 2018 Grammys. Maybe it's something about New York City, because another notable détente just took place there—this one between Sir Elton John and Madonna. First, a bit of history. The twosome has traded barbs as far back as 2004, when Elton made an acceptance speech at the Q Awards and dogged Madge's nomination. "Madonna? Best fucking live act? Fuck off. Since when has lip-syncing been live?" And that was him being nice!! An amusing exchange took place at the 2012 Golden Globes. Each had a song nominated in the same category. On the red carpet, Elton said Madonna didn't "stand a fucking chance." And then she won! Oh, the ignominy.

As to the resolution, it's Madonna who took the high road. When she heard Miss Elton was the musical guest on "Saturday Night Live" last week, she decided to go. "I needed to go backstage and confront him. When I met him, the first thing out of his mouth was, 'Forgive Me', and the wall between us fell down. Forgiveness is a powerful tool. Within minutes, we were hugging. Then he told me had written a song for me and he wanted to collaborate. It was like everything came full circle." She captured the moment with a photo and posted it on Instagram with the caption, "We finally buried the hatchet". She looks good and kinda normal—Elton looks less than thrilled. But he reposted the photo and called it a "healing moment". To be continued...

Of course, it's entirely possible that Elton had no idea who he was talking to backstage at "SNL". He recently spoke about his diminishing eyesight: "I can't see my boys playing rugby and soccer, and it has been a very stressful time because I'm used to soaking it all in. It's distressing. You get emotional, but you have to get used to it because I'm lucky to have the life I have. I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of my left eye." On the other hand, it should be noted that Madonna was standing on his left.

Last year, Elton John revealed some staggering statistics about the Elton John AIDS Foundation. "Since our founding in 1992, we have saved over 5 million lives and raised more than $600 million to support over 3100 projects in 95 countries globally to end AIDS." One of those countries will no longer be Russia. The Russian general prosecutor has called the nonprofit "undesirable" and accused it of attempting to undermine Russian "spiritual and moral values with propaganda." The organization was quick to respond: "In 2024, there were over 1.2 million people living with HIV in Russia, with over 430,000 not receiving treatment. Today's decision...will undoubtedly endanger lives and disrupt critical HIV prevention efforts."

One of the biggest fundraisers for the foundation each year is Elton John's Academy Awards Party. This past year, the lovely Belinda Carlisle and hubby Morgan Mason attended. Belinda's been spending more time in SoCal lately. There are very few things that would make me miss The Go-Go's return to the Sunset Strip. But family issues kept me on the east coast while the girls revisited their roots at The Roxy. The reason for this rare club date was a warmup for their appearance at Coachella last weekend and next month's Cruel World festival. From the looks of it, they're having a great time. Admittedly, they are only doing five shows—I think even the Eagles could get through that! The Go-Go's have always been enthusiastic musicians, but what surprised me most about these shows were the vocals. With a more active performing schedule than usual, Belinda Carlisle's voice is in great shape (adjusted keys notwithstanding). But she's not alone. Jane Wiedlin, who has faced a variety of health issues, is exceptionally strong. They were joined by Kathy Valentine and Charlotte Caffey on some glorious harmonies that one might almost call Bangle-esque (which I know Jane hates). All the while, Gina Schock kept the beat—proving that after seven years away, she is still The Go-Go's MVP. These shows reminded us why the band has always soared above their contemporaries with a catalogue of hits rarely rivaled—let alone bettered.

As to the Coachella show, it was a bit more ragtag—likely due to the heat (which seemed to get to Belinda during "Our Lips Are Sealed"). They were joined onstage by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong for "Head Over Heels". While it was fun seeing Belinda relegated to a backup singer on a Go-Go's hit, it's strange that Billie Joe didn't join them on the previous song—"Unforgiven"—which he co-wrote and recorded with them. There are always technical issues at these large festivals—and Carlisle is never one to just take them in her stride (see her appearance at LA Pride in 2012). The projected videos (likely produced by Dan Rucks of Dan-O-Rama) certainly added to the kitsch factor and provided a perfect setting. You can check out clips from both shows on BillyMasters.com.

While we're Palm Springs-adjacent, let's again talk about "Mid-Century Modern"—the gift that keeps on giving. Much has been made about Coco Peru being cut out of the pilot. We all talked about it...well, I talked about it. One cannot ignore a legend in her own time being relegated to an extra! Apparently, co-creator Max Mutchnick decided he had to address the situation on Instagram. "Sometimes we're forced to cut a character WE LOVE because of time constraints. Editing Ms. Coco Peru from the MCM pilot was heartbreaking. Somehow, you guys found out, and because Hulu is such a cool place to work they let us pull it out of the vault for YOU! Ladies and gentle femmes I give you Ms. Coco Peru on Mid-Century Modern. (And a really good joke from Matt Bomer)." I don't know if I agree with all of that, but the clip is indeed fun and you can check it out on BillyMasters.com.

Speaking of television, Deborah Norville just announced that she will be leaving "Inside Edition" after anchoring the show for 30 years. This brought two things to mind. First, can you believe it was over 30 years ago that the whole Jane Pauley/Deborah Norville situation happened? Second, who knew "Inside Edition" was still on the air?

Finally, some good news for those poor, misunderstood Menendez brothers. As you'll recall, the former Los Angeles district attorney felt it was fair to allow the boys to have a resentencing hearing based on new evidence—which is typical protocol. Then the new DA decided he wasn't so inclined. While the wheels of justice inched along, Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the boys appear before the parole board for an evaluation on June 13th. After receiving their recommendation, Newsom could direct the resentencing hearing take place, or even give them a full pardon. That all may be a moot point. Last week, LA County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic weighed in on the original resentencing request. While the current DA strenuously objected, Judge Jesic determined the right thing to do is to go forward with the resentencing hearing—which will take place on April 17th in Van Nuys.

I was surprised to see that Cooper Koch was present in the courtroom at last week's hearing. He, of course, portrayed Lyle Menendez in "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story". I'm told he was invited by members of the Menendez family, who he has gotten close to. He's also close with his own family. Cooper has two brothers—gay twin Payton and younger brother Walker. Walker recently posted a photo of his twin brothers about to kiss in a mockup of the "White Lotus" poster—just in time for the series finale. While he quickly deleted the pic, you can check it out on BillyMasters.com.

When the Koch boys are keeping it all in the family, it's definitely time to end yet another column. I've heard of brotherly love, but this is ridiculous...although I'd definitely want to see video footage! By the time you read this, Gayle King will be in space. Not outer space—just inner space. In fact, her whole journey will take a scant eleven minutes. Frankly, I can make you see stars a whole lot quicker (and cheaper) on www.BillyMasters.com—the site that has its share of heavenly bodies. None of my "Ask Billy" questions seemed to warrant publishing. But that shouldn't stop you from writing. Send your notes to [email protected] and I promise to get back to you before Belinda remembers to hydrate! Until next time, remember, one man's filth is another man's bible.