Elton John: Australian tour dates announced

The Rocket Man will arrive in early 2023 and tour dates include Newcastle (January 10), Melbourne (January 13), Sydney (January 18) and Brisbane (January 21).

The 75-year-old first started his 30-date farewell tour of Australia in late 2019 and wrapped up in March 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic halted international touring.

His upcoming shows mark the first time the 25-time platinum artist has performed in Newcastle.

Frontier Touring promoter Michael Chugg said while the Rocket Man had performed in the Hunter Valley several times, he believed the show at McDonald Jones Stadium would draw new interest.

We know a lot of people in Newcastle don't go to the valley," he said. "And the stadiums had a big face lift. So we thought that would be pretty cool.

"I expect we'll get a great crowd. I know people will travel from Tamworth, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. The one thing about Elton is once you see him you want to go and see him again, because he's so brilliant.

"It will be an unbelievable show, he plays nearly three hours and it's full on Elton. Every song's a hit."

The veteran promoter hoped the concert would inspire more artists to add Newcastle to their touring schedules. "We'll be looking at it with any other major acts we bring in," Mr Chugg said.

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Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather also believed the event would be a sign of things to come, saying it was an "incredibly exciting result for the region".

"We can't wait to welcome Elton John to Newcastle as part of his Australian tour in what will be an unforgettable night for the region," she said.

"This is an incredibly exciting result for Newcastle, and just a taste of the major events to come for the region."

For tickets and information about the concert and tour head to oznz.eltonjohn.com.