ELTON JOHN BACK FOR TWO SHOWS HERE
Rock icon Elton John will be returning to Victoria for two performances next year, his first concerts in the city since a pair of sold-out 2011 dates.
John, 69, is booked into the Save-on Foods Memorial Centre arena on March 11 and 12, promoter Live Nation announced on Thursday. Prices range from $95 to $195. The concerts are part of an 11-city Canadian tour by John and his group, which features several members who have been with the Rocket Man, Crocodile Rock and Bennie and the Jets hitmaker since the beginning of his career.
Dave Dakers, president of R.G. Sports & Entertainment operator of the arena, told the Times Colonist the superstar loves Victoria.
“It’s been a bit of a long process and it took some time, but he’s coming,” Dakers said on Thursday morning.
“The main reason Victoria keeps coming up on Elton’s list is he enjoys coming here and likes spending time in town and loves the fans and the facility.
“He gets a lot of personal satisfaction playing here.”
John is not touring as much as he once did, so the Victoria dates are expected to sell out instantly.
Tickets for John’s Victoria concerts in 2011 were hot sellers on the secondary market, often netting prices six or eight times the face value of regular-priced tickets.
His reduced road schedule is by design, according to John.
“The simple truth is I want to spend more time with my family and less time touring,” he said in a statement. “I am all too aware of how precious the time ahead is. My sons are growing up so quickly. Their early years are just flying by and I want to be there with them.”
The tour will feature hits from his decorated 50-year career as a performer, in addition to songs from his latest release, Wonderful Crazy Night. The album is his 32nd studio effort.
Tickets go on sale Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. on selectyourtickets.com.
Dakers said it’s best to purchase tickets online. Those who show up to the box office in person will be subject to a random draw order — not first come, first served.
For details, phone 250-220-7777.