– Legendary Superstar Performs New Songs and Classic Favorites
in an Intimate Concert Scheduled for October 5 –
ARLINGTON, VA; SEPTEMBER 25, 2013 – PBS today announced the world television premiere of ELTON JOHN IN CONCERT, a new special featuring the legendary musician in an exclusive and intimate performance taped in the beautiful surroundings of the BBC’s famous Radio Theatre in the heart of West London. The concert special showcases the multi-Grammy Award-winning superstar performing songs from his new album, The Diving Board, mixed with classic songs from his extensive repertoire of hits. Originally broadcast live on BBC Radio 2, the UK’s most listened to station, ELTON JOHN IN CONCERT premieres Saturday, October 5, 8:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS.
“We are thrilled to bring PBS viewers this fantastic concert special from one of the world’s great entertainers,” said Beth Hoppe, PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming. “Elton John’s songs are iconic and timeless, and his enormous appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds is a tribute to his singular genius.”
Produced by T-Bone Burnett, The Diving Board is Elton John’s first solo studio album in seven years, and features 12 new songs written with longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, as well as three piano interludes composed by John. “It’s the simplest and most piano-driven record I’ve ever made,” John told BBC Radio 2 in an interview on September 11, 2013, the day of the concert.
Taped before an audience of 300 fans selected to win tickets from over 79,000 hopefuls, ELTON JOHN IN CONCERT includes these and other performances:
• “Bennie and the Jets”
• “Tiny Dancer”
• “Home Again”
• “Oscar Wilde Gets Out”
• “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”
• “Levon”
• “Rocket Man”
• “I'm Still Standing”
• “Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)”
• “Your Song”
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, is one of the most highly acclaimed and successful solo artists of all time. He has achieved 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, and holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time. Over the five decades since his career began in 1969, John has played more than 3,000 concerts worldwide.
John is the third most successful artist in the history of the American charts, behind only Elvis Presley and the Beatles. He has had 56 top 40 singles in the United States, a total second only to Elvis Presley. He achieved seven #1 albums in the three-and-a-half-year period from 1972 to 1975 — a period of concentrated success surpassed only by the Beatles.
Underwriters: Public Television Viewers and PBS
Produced by: The BBC
Producer: Stephanie McWhinnie
Director: Janet Fraser-Crook
Executive Producer: Mark Cooper
Format: CC Stereo HD
About PBS
PBS, with its over 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 120 million people through television and nearly 29 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.
Contact:
Cara White, CaraMar, Inc., 843-881-1480, cara.white@mac.com
