Elton John concert tickets on sale tomorrow

Tickets for the highly anticipated Elton John concert go on sale tomorrow as Malta prepares to host one of the music world's top artistes and Elton fever starts to spread.

The Elton John Show, including the Rocket Man's fee, is expected to cost about Lm250,000, said concert organisers NnG Promotions during the official launch at the Corinthia Palace Hotel yesterday.

The doors to the concert, which is being held at The Granaries, in Floriana on July 6, open to the public at 5.30 p.m. and local supporting acts start at 6 p.m.

The acts are being vetted and chosen by Elton John's management. So far, the organisers could only confirm a 15-minute performance by Ira Losco and her band. Another two opening acts have still to be selected.

Elton John (and his piano) take to the stage at 8.30 p.m. - at sunset, at the specific request of the artiste. His performance is to last two hours and 40 minutes and he should be playing a string of his hit singles, from his first classic chart-topper Your Song to the more recent I Want Love.

Elton John's solo tour, of which Malta forms a part, is not being held in stadiums, but in unique venues, which he does not normally play in. The Granaries, with its historical backdrop, immediately satisfied his tour manager, said spokesman Nigel Camilleri.

The stage is being set up on the side of The Granaries between the Catholic Institute and Middlesea Insurance. Playing on the width, rather than the length of the area would mean that the entire audience is closer to the stage, the organisers said.

The area is being sealed off by containers and billboards.

NnG promotions are targeting an audience aged between 25 and 55, but, with Elton John's music still topping the charts, they have also already had good feedback from a younger age group, said spokesman Jonastin Zammit.

The organisers augured that the major event would be "the first of many". Sir Elton's performance was expected to set the ball rolling for future high-calibre concerts, and NnG Promotions were already receiving enquiries from the managers of other topnotch performers.

"Once Elton John, who is not the easiest of musicians to contract, agreed to perform in Malta, others of his level are likely to follow suit," said spokesman Gianni Zammit.

Following The Elton John Show, Malta, which had the required network and infrastructure, would gain recognition. It would start to be considered as a 'stopover' on tours for major artistes and would not be skipped, as was usually the case.

Elton John is being hosted by the Corinthia during his six-hour stay in Malta, and Nicholas Borg, general manager Events @ Corinthia, felt the event would offer "great exposure to the country and a good opportunity for tourism in Malta in general".

Corinthia Hotels International is publicising the event from its 11 regional sales offices and an events bulletin that is widely distributed overseas.

The concert is also being publicised abroad through travel agencies and tour operators, particularly in the UK.

The advance publicity would allow Elton John fans to programme their visit to Malta for early July, or to plan a visit specifically to be able to enjoy their idol at an open-air venue.

The Tourism Ministry and the Malta Tourism Authority are also busy promoting the event overseas. The concert is, of course, also being promoted on Elton John's web site and through his fan mail.

The Elton John Show is expected to attract thousands of followers.

Tickets are divided into three categories - Lm15, Lm35 and Lm50.

General admission standing tickets cost Lm15 and are available exclusively from the 30 Maltapost branches in Malta and Gozo and from the Maltapost Mobile Unit.

More information on these tickets and on block bookings (a minimum of 50 tickets) can be obtained on the Maltapost Customer Care freephone number 80072244.

The arrangement is aimed at ensuring that nobody would have to travel far to purchase tickets and to guarantee shorter queues. Depending on the response, certain branches could even remain open for longer hours.

The Golden Circle, the most sought-after tickets, which offer seating directly in front of the stage, cost Lm50. They ensure a close-up view of the artiste and a number of privileges, including parking, and are available from Sandro Azzopardi Gioielleria and the organisers themselves.

Another seating option on stands, further away from the Golden Circle, costs Lm35 and tickets are available from Franks - The Perfumery outlets.

More information may be obtained from info@nngpromotions.com, or by calling the event hotline 7935 8665/79ELTONJ. On-line booking should be available from the NnG Promotions web site (www.nngpromotions. com) in the next 10 days.