Elton to launch a special archival concert series streaming exclusively on YouTube
The Elton John: Classic Concert Series features some of Elton's most monumental concerts. Beginning this Friday, July 3 at 9 AM (LA) / 12 PM (NY) / 5 PM (LDN) exclusively on YouTube, the series will premiere with Live at the Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh from 1976 - available digitally for the first time ever only for 72 hours.
The Elton John: Classic Concert Series is running in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund to continue HIV prevention and care for the most vulnerable people around the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can donate on YouTube whilst watching the show.
“My Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund helps frontline partners prepare for and respond to the pandemic and its effects on HIV prevention and care for the most marginalised communities. We cannot jeopardise HIV testing and care during this time or else the results could be disastrous for the 37.5 million people living with HIV. So, I’m really happy to connect this YouTube concert series to benefit our Foundation’s urgent COVID response.” - Elton John
Recorded as part of the Edinburgh Festival of Popular Music on 17th September 1976, Live at the Playhouse Theatre gives fans an exhilarating view of Elton at the height of his ‘70s popularity, having just enjoyed his first UK #1 single with Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. This electrifying solo performance kicks off with Skyline Pigeon (taken from Empty Sky) before ending with a riotous version of Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting). The setlist rips through classic after classic, including Rocket Man, Daniel and Bennie and the Jets. It was also the first time Elton performed Don’t Go Breaking My Heart solo. Climbing on his piano and stomping his way through this virtuoso performance, Elton leaves every ounce of himself on the stage, in a classic concert that was to be the last time he would perform a full show for another 7 months.
Watch the trailer now, and join us on Friday for the first concert of the series.
CLASSIC CONCERT SERIES
To honour the traditional concert experience, we've created a limited edition merch range to commemorate this special Classic Concert Series event.
Check out the new items in the Official Store now.
LEARN TO FLY
Watch: ‘Learn to Fly’ by Surfaces & Elton John
After the global success of their track Sunday Best, Elton has teamed up with Texas-based duo Surfaces for a new track, Learn to Fly.
Produced by Surfaces and recorded via Zoom, the artists came together with the hope of making a song that will help the world learn how to fly again. On Learn to Fly, Elton urges listeners to “keep that head up, don’t you worry it will be alright,” providing the inspiration we all need to shake off those quarantine blues. Together, Elton and Surfaces reassure us that through teamwork and positive thinking, we can safely lift restrictions and start to re‐open the world.
“Having heard ‘Sunday Best’ for the first time in Australia and liking it so much, I was surprised when the guys reached out to me to sing and play a little piano on ‘Learn To Fly’. I loved the song and the production on the track they sent me. We recorded via Zoom in LA and it was so much fun working on a non‐Elton record. These guys are terrific, and we had a blast collaborating.” - Elton John