Yes sir, he’s still standing

THE Rocket Man is ready to touch down in Hobart next week, with music legend Sir Elton John returning to southern Tasmania for the first time in nearly 30 years.

With five Grammys, a Tony and an Oscar to his name, Sir Elton — who was knighted in 1998 for “services to music and charitable services” — is one of the most acclaimed and biggest-selling artists in history. He has sold more than 250 million copies of his 38 gold and 31 platinum or multi-platinum albums, while his Princess Diana tribute song Candle in the Wind 1997 is the highest-selling single of all time, shifting 33 million copies.

Sir Elton has released 57 top-40 hit singles in the US, second only to Elvis Presley, including classics such as Your Song, Rocket Man, Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Daniel, I’m Still Standing and Crocodile Rock. The flamboyant entertainer has also achieved success in musical theatre, composing the music for The Lion King, Aida and Billy Elliot the Musical.

Thanks to his association with Tasmanian-born promoter Michael Chugg, Sir Elton performed in Launceston in 2007 and again in 2012, with a total of more than 20,000 fans attending the two shows.

But Sir Elton has not appeared in the state’s South since he played two concerts at the Derwent Entertainment Centre in February 1990.

That will change next week when he returns to the same venue as part of the Once In A Lifetime Australian tour, which sees him performing shows in Hobart, Mackay, Cairns and Wollongong.

Performing iconic hits from throughout his long career, including a selection of songs from his 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Elton John and his band play at the Derwent Entertainment Centre from 7.30pm next Wednesday and Thursday (September 27 and 28).

Tickets start at $99, go to www.ticketmaster.com.au for bookings and details.