Elton John fever reaches a climax tonight when the Rocket Man plays live at the Granaries in Floriana in what has been billed as this year's hottest musical event.
Some 12,000 people are expected to watch the music icon take to the stage to churn out an array of his greatest hits.
Elton John, arguably the finest rock star to play in Malta, is expected to fly in this afternoon from Nice and will take to the stage at 8.30 p.m. for a two and a half-hour performance.
Sir Elton has regaled the music world with fantastic songs for over three decades, selling some 100 million records in the process.
Elton John mania was in full swing during the past week with radio stations playing a string of his hits for most of the day.
Hundreds of foreigners are flying in specially for the concert, a number of whom won tickets off the artist's official Website.
The set-list promises to provide a blend of his best songs, from the classics Your Song and Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me to the hip-shaking Bennie and the Jets.
The run-up to the concert has not been all rosy after the setting up of the stage and stands in Floriana caused traffic chaos, and a wave of protests by the Floriana council.
Sir Elton's agent, Andrew Zweck, who toured the site with Arts Minister Jesmond Mugliett yesterday, is convinced the superstar will deliver the goods in fine form.
"Not only will he confirm that he's a great singer and showman, but also a fantastic piano-player. People will go home happy," he assured reporters.
He said Sir Elton had been very pleased that Maltapost issued a commemorative souvenir sheet to mark the event.
Mr Zweck said he was impressed with the beautiful setting of the Floriana Granaries, adding that the semi-seated venue makes it an ideal setting for Elton John, who is currently touring solo.
"I know this is the kind of place Elton loves, and the fact that he's never played Malta makes it even more exciting," he said.
Mr Zweck, who is also the UK agent for other rock stars, said the concert would undoubtedly put Malta on the international concert circuit.
In fact, co-organiser Nigel Camilleri said the reaction from agents had taken a positive slant now that Elton John was playing in Malta.
A number of "big" names have been approached to play here, though Dr Camilleri refused to let the cat out of the bag.
Doors open at 5.30 p.m. when Corkscrew, Winter Moods, Ira Losco and Karen Polidano are expected to warm up the crowd present.
Around 1,000 standing tickets will still be on sale prior to the concert.
Concert-goers have been urged to use public transport to avoid traffic congestion. Public transport from Valletta to all destinations will run until midnight.
Mrs Antonia Gatt of Zebbug is the lucky winner of two exclusive Lm35 tickets for today's concert, the prize of a competition held in The Sunday Times last week. Asked why Elton John has been so successful for the past four decades, Mrs Gatt replied: "His songs have personal meaning, he puts on an extraordinary show and is a brilliant performer." Mrs Gatt was notified by phone.