Elton John Announces 2nd and Final Sydney Concert, Hordern Pavilion

Sir Elton John and his band return to Australia from 5 December as part of his international "All The Hits Tour." Due to huge ticket sales one last Sydney concert has been added on Thursday 17 December - at the venue where it all began - the Hordern Pavilion.

Sir Elton's love affair with Sydney began on 31 October 1971 and it has not waned since that date. Sydney audiences adore the genius talent of this extraordinary performer whose melodies capture hearts around the world. His final concert of this tour, which sold out instantly, is the closing night of the Sydney Entertainment Centre, so it is fitting that this new concert on sale sees him return to his beloved Hordern Pavilion. In the 70's and 80's Elton performed 14 concerts at the Hordern garnering reviews like "The dazzling electric Elton" and "Innumerable encores kept the fans dancing".

This Hordern Pavilion concert is the smallest venue on the tour - a chance to experience Elton in a truly intimate setting.

"Australia has been one of my favourite countries to tour and some of my most memorable concerts have taken place in venues all across the continent. The Australian audiences always seem to bring out the best in us, and I am certain there will be many more fantastic evenings when we visit in December," said Elton John.

The tour will feature iconic hits and classic album tracks from throughout his incredible five-decade career, including a selection of songs from his highly acclaimed album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a Deluxe Edition.

Elton John's band features Nigel Olsson on drums, part of Elton's original three-piece band, as well as musical director Davey Johnstone (who first recorded with Elton in 1971 and joined the band in a year later) on guitar, Matt Bissonette on bass, John Mahon on percussion, and Kim Bullard on keyboards.

Undeniably one of the most acclaimed and adored artists of all time, Elton's spectacular stage shows are sought after by audiences worldwide. Since his career began in 1969 Elton has played more than 3,500 concerts in over 80 countries.

Elton is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with 37 gold and 27 multi-platinum albums as well as 58 Billboard Top 40 singles in the United States, and he has sold more than 250 million records worldwide. Elton holds the record for the biggest-selling single of all time, Candle in the Wind 1997, which sold 33 million copies. He has also written the music for stage and screen successes Billy Elliot: The Musical, Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida, and The Lion King, which was recently named the highest-grossing stage show or film release in the world.

Among the many awards and honours bestowed upon him are five Grammys, a Grammy Legend award, a Tony and an Oscar, a Best British Male Artist BRIT Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Kennedy Center Honor, Legend of Live Award, 12 Ivor Novello Awards and a knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II for "services to music and charitable services." Elton has recently been named the first recipient of the BRITs Icon Award, which recognizes the very highest level of British music achievement, presented only to iconic artists whose writing, recording and performances set them apart as having made a lasting impact on the nation's culture.

A highlight of this concert will be the exclusive Dinner & Show Packages that will be available. A deluxe Aria Restaurant prepared three course dinner with wines, designed by Matt Moran, will be served in a venue adjacent to the Hordern Pavilion. Throughout the dinner acclaimed and internationally renowned promoter Michael Chugg will entertain and enthral diners with stories about Elton on tour and the fun and games of mounting a major international concert tour. And in addition, Elton's long time band members Nigel Olsson and Davey Johnstone, who rehearsed and performed with Elton at the Hordern Pavilion so many times, will join Michael Chugg on stage and regale diners with stories of being on tour with the world's most recognised piano player.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear one of the world's greatest pop musicians in spectacular form when Elton John returns to Australia this December.

ELTON JOHN & HIS BAND : TOUR DETAILS

Saturday 5 December Hope Estate, Hunter Valley www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

Tuesday 8 December Entertainment Centre, Brisbane www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

Friday 11 December Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

Saturday 12 December A Day On The Green Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong www.Ticketmaster.com.au 136 100

Tuesday 15 December Entertainment Centre, Adelaide www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

Thursday 17 December Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Tickets, & Dinner & Show Packages

On Sale Thursday 3 September www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

Saturday 19 December Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney - SOLD OUT www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

For more information go to: www.eltonjohn.com www.chuggentertainment.com