Elton to paint the town red
Sir Elton John has spoken of his excitement as he prepares to bring his own brand of Las Vegas sparkle to Birmingham NIA on not one but two occasions later this year.
Sir Elton John has spoken of his excitement as he prepares to bring his own brand of Las Vegas sparkle to Birmingham NIA on not one but two occasions later this year.
The legendary singer songwriter has added an extra date to his 'Red Piano' tour at The NIA, as he gets set to take his glitzy production on the road.
He will perform at the NIA, on November 19 and December 16.
The Red Piano show, designed by Sir Elton's friend and acclaimed photographer David LaChapelle, has been running at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, to packed houses since 2004.
The larger-than-life set, complete with Sir Elton's iconic Yamaha red grand piano, has been designed to reflect his flamboyance.
The theme throughout The Red Piano is love, symbolised by the colour red and articulated through songs, state-of-the art effects and high-end imagery.
During the two-hour shows, audiences will be treated to live performances of the phenomenal back catalogue of Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin, including hits such as Rocket Man, Yellow Brick Road and Candle In The Wind.
Sir Elton said: "I can't wait to see how British audiences react to the Red Piano. The show is stuffed with hits, it's brash, bright and colourful.
"Over the past four years we have played almost 200 Red Piano shows at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and every single one has been an event – the band and I have had a ball!
"David LaChapelle created the show with the Las Vegas ambience very firmly in mind, but for a long time we have been working towards bringing the show to Europe.
"Finally, last year, London became Las Vegas when we brought the Red Piano to the O2 Arena – and what a night that was! So this year we're going to sprinkle that Vegas magic over Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester."
David LaChapelle said: "The show is a visual extravaganza, a collage of all the outrageous and beautiful images Elton has been responsible for in his career. I just wanted it to sparkle and shine and just be lush - almost edible, like looking at a candy store.
"Elton has had a lot of fun. There have been some sad parts in his life, but when he's on that stage I think that he loves it. This was a way of showing that love of performing and pay tribute to it".
The support act on the Red Piano tour will be the up-and-coming Jamie Lidell.
For tickets contact Birmingham NIA on 0871 945 6000, 24hr national creadit card hotlines on 0844 8472453, 0871 2310835 and 0844 8889991 or book online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.seetickets.com or www.ticketline.co.uk
For more information visit: www.eltonjohn.com and www.marshall-arts.co.uk
