A day on the green presents Sir Elton John
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A day on the green presents Sir Elton John

When you think of legendary performers in our lifetime, Sir Elton John is one of the few that spring to mind.

He’s one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with 38 gold records and 31 platinum and multi-platinum albums, over 50 Top 40 hits, and he has sold more than 300 million records worldwide.

He holds the record for the biggest-selling single of all time, Candle in the Wind 1997, which sold more than 33 million copies, and to date, he has delivered more than 4,000 performances in more than 80 countries since launching his first tour in 1970.

And now, Sir Elton John, recently crowned by Billboard as the most successful performing male solo artist of all time, is heading to our humble home of Geelong.

In a massive coup for the regional music scene, Sir Elton extended the Australian leg of his sold-out Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour and added six new outdoor shows last month, including a day on the green at Geelong’s Mt Duneed Estate on Saturday, December 7, the first of Elton’s 11 Victorian concerts.

“In conjunction with Chugg Entertainment, a day on the green is thrilled to bring Sir Elton John back to Mt Duneed Estate this summer,” says Roundhouse Entertainment promoter Michael Newton. “We’ve already got five shows with Elton out there. Two shows are at Rochford Wines in Yarra Valley, two shows at Sirromet Wines in Queensland and one show at All Saints Estate, Rutherglen, and they all sold out.

“There was a plan, depending on how the first round of shows went, to do some more shows when the film came out but the demand has just been overwhelming,” he continues. “We’ve sold 20,000 tickets to Geelong already. It’s just a phenomenon. The excitement around these events has been nothing short of incredible and we’re delighted to bring that excitement to his fans in Geelong and the Surf Coast region.”

The announcement of Sir Elton’s appearance at Mt Duneed, alongside the other five new outdoor shows – including AAMI Park in Melbourne, plus four regional stadium “firsts” in Coffs Harbour, Townsville, Sunshine Coast and Sydney – takes Australia’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road concert tally to 32 and now carry the mammoth tour through five months, beginning in Perth on November 30 and wrapping up in March 2020.

Geelong’s had some good luck with music acts at Mt Duneed so far, hosting some of the biggest names in music including Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Sting, Paul Simon, Don Henley, Robbie Williams and recently welcoming Florence + The Machine and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Proving their consistency in securing the world’s very best, this upcoming performance will actually be the iconic showman’s second appearance at Mt Duneed Estate, following a huge a day on the green concert in December 2015. This time, however, comes hot on the heels of the incredible global success of the Rocketman epic musical fantasy, which will see a whole new wave of fans coming to the show.

“I think the film has given him a real crossover audience,” Newton says. “I know people like myself that are going but then there are three generations going as well. We’re seeing grandparents going with their kids, and those kids are taking their kids. It’s 10-year-olds to 70-year-olds, in one group. It’s going to be one big party.”

Released in cinemas back in May, the film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John. Set to Elton John’s most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton, the film tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture, which as Newton points out, has captured the attention of Elton fans, new and old, across generations.

As the last tour of its kind by the celebrated songwriter and iconic showman, a day on the green punters will experience a rare glimpse into Elton’s life, and the deeply personal meaning behind some of his greatest hits, via mesmerising, never-before-seen images and videos displayed throughout the show from his incredible 50-year career.

Even if you haven’t seen the movie, or if you don’t particularly love his music, Newton says this is more than a concert; it’s an experience, a chance to express thanks to Sir Elton, and will prove to be an unforgettable memory as he bids farewell to the stage while performing his legendary catalogue, including beloved songs ‘Bennie and the Jets’, ‘Rocket Man’, ‘Tiny Dancer’, ‘Crocodile Rock’, ‘Philadelphia Freedom’ and more.

“You don’t even have to like Elton John,” he laughs. “I don’t love Elton John, but when you see him, you go ‘holy shit’. We’re born with those songs; it’s in our DNA almost. These songs have always been around, and when you see them live, you just go ‘wow’. I remember seeing him the first time and seeing him performing ‘Crocodile Rock’ and how he ripped into the keyboard. Seriously people are in for a treat!”

Beginning in Pennsylvania, USA in September 2018, Elton John’s three-year Farewell Yellow Brick Road global tour has already been hailed as one of his most “energetic, dazzlingly original and joyful celebrations”.

Complete with brand new stage production, and tour wardrobe designed by Italian fashion house Gucci, Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road global tour is intimate and personal, while also spectacular and daring. On stage, he will be joined by longstanding band members Nigel Olsson on drums (part of Elton’s original three-piece band in 1970), esteemed musical director Davey Johnstone (who first recorded with Elton in 1971 and joined the band a year later) on guitar, virtuoso Ray Cooper on percussion, Matt Bissonette on bass, John Mahon on percussion, and Kim Bullard on keyboards.

“It’s a really elaborate stage team,” Newton smiles. “All I can say is there may be a train track on stage… And perhaps a moving piano. He always puts on a show though; you don’t realise how good the show is until you see it is. Everything happening on stage is part of that extravaganza.”

Since going on sale in February this year, Australia and New Zealand have snapped up tickets to Elton’s Farewell tour, with total sales approaching half a million tickets over the 32 shows announced to date.

“Australia and New Zealand, I can’t wait to be with you again,” said Sir Elton.“Your audiences have always been very generous towards me, and I know that this final tour will be the most memorable ever.”

This is the final chance to nab your spot at Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Don’t miss out.

He’ll be at Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong on Saturday, December 7. Tickets via www.ticketmaster.com.au