SIR ELTON JOHN HITS THE 200 SHOW MARK & BARRY’S BIRTHDAY BASH
It is an impressive and magical milestone for Caesars Palace headliner, Sir Elton John as he marks the 200th performance of his “Red Piano” show tomorrow night (SAT). Hard to believe that its debut was back in February 2004, and this weekend’s show wraps his current run before singer Bette Midler returns to The Colosseum on Tuesday.
The British knight, who grew up in my old home-town (only five years behind me!) as plain young Reginald Kenneth Dwight, returns to Vegas twice more this year, on July 23 and again on Oct. 22.
The five-time Grammy winner went onto record more than 50-major hits including seven-consecutive No. 1 albums.
Caesars president Gary Selesner commented, “People from virtually every major country around the globe have traveled to Caesars to see Elton and his “Red Piano” show. Long after the standing ovations have ended they leave us with treasured memories of one of the great performers and songwriters of this or any era. We are deeply grateful to Elton and his talented band for giving so much joy to hundreds of thousands of our guests.”
The critics still rave 200-shows later about Elton’s extraordinary showmanship, “Elton John remains one of the world’s genuine superstars,” wrote London’s Daily Telegraph reviewer and the most recent praise from USA Today read “eye-popping, jaw-dropping, Elton John is still standing as one of pop’s indestructible talents.” The “Rocket Man” is best known for “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and his highly emotional tribute to the late Princess Diana “Candle in the Wind.”
Although “Red Piano” was created especially for Caesars Palace, Elton will now take the Vegas production on tour with him through Europe. Fans in Britain, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway will see the major touring production there for the first time starting Nov. 19 and running through Dec. 21.
Meantime our congratulations to singer, songwriter and fellow piano man Barry Manilow on his 62nd birthday. A giant birthday cake was rolled on stage at the Las Vegas Hilton that literally stopped the show.
Barry, who got an avalanche of greeting cards from both fans and friends from around the world, began headlining there three years ago, in February 2005.