c103forum

rm8276 · Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 14

A concert promoter says Elton John is considering performing "three or four" concerts in Atlantic Canada this year. Riley O'Connor of Live Nation, promoter of two John shows in Ontario, has told CTV News that he is looking at suitable locations in the Maritimes and Newfoundland. O'Connor says it's not feasible for the legendary singer to play a single concert in the region. He says John prefers to play indoor venues, not large outdoor shows. O'Connor told CTV that John is interested in playing cities that are not "your typical triple-A five-star attractions." Nothing is finalized, but he says the concerts could happen any time before December. John is to play a sold-out concert this Sunday at a 6,000-seat venue in Sudbury, Ont.

Wishblade · Joined: 03 Feb 2008 Posts: 51

A Captain Fantastic idea
Halifax could be in running for an Elton John indoor concert
By DAVENE JEFFREY Staff Reporter
Thu. Feb 28 - 5:12 AM

The Rocket Man could be touching down in Halifax this year.

Elton John is considering performing three or four concerts in Atlantic Canada, says concert promoter Riley O’Connor of Live Nation.

Mr. O’Connor told CTV News that Mr. John is looking at suitable locations in the Maritimes and Newfoundland.

Live Nation is promoting two shows in Ontario and several in the United States.

Mr. O’Connor says it’s not feasible for the legendary singer to play a single concert in the region. He says Mr. John prefers to play indoor venues.

Mr. O’Connor told CTV he’s interested in playing cities that are not "your typical triple-A five-star attractions." Nothing is finalized, but he says the concerts could happen any time before December.

He told the Sudbury Star a few days ago that September would be the most likely time.

Mr. John will play a sold-out concert this Sunday at a 6,000-seat venue in Sudbury, Ont. Ticket prices there range from $87.50 to $129.50

The 10,000-seat Metro Centre in Halifax is the largest indoor venue in Atlantic Canada. "I’d be happy to see him anywhere as long as it is in Halifax," said Coun. Dawn Sloane (Halifax Downtown).

Ms. Sloane could not confirm Mr. John’s promoters have been in touch with Halifax, but she’s heard rumours. "I had a call last week," she said. "We’re on the list now."

Ms. Sloane said Halifax can now draw "triple-A" acts and the acts know that fans here will shell out for the tickets.

About two weeks ago, Creative Entertainment Group confirmed it has a contract with Halifax to pursue big-name acts capable of filling the Halifax Commons, which has a capacity of 40,000. Creative Entertainment president Sharon Kim-Dion said only about a half-dozen acts on the planet can fill that kind of venue.

Creative Entertainment, based in Europe with offices in New York, has worked with Mr. John in the past, according to the company’s website.

According to eltonjohn.com, his North American tour begins today in Portland, Maine. So far, there are only two Canadian concert dates, Sudbury on Sunday and Kitchener on Monday.

He will be performing in the United States until June 22. His schedule includes two stints in Las Vegas from March 19 to April 6 and then June 3 to June 22.

From June 28 to July 13, Mr. John has several concerts scheduled in Europe and England. Then his date book appears to be wide open until a performance in France on Dec. 9.

Mayor Peter Kelly, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening, said this month that Halifax lost out in a bidding war for an Elton John show last year.

In November, Celine Dion backed out of a concert for this summer on the Commons, citing mixed public reaction.

"I believe that’s water under the bridge and we’re moving forward," Ms. Sloane said.

Indeed, a month after the Quebec-born singer cancelled her Halifax date, the city snagged Australian superstar Keith Urban, who will headline Country Rocks 2008, an eight-act concert on the Commons on Aug. 30.

ryan93 · Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 156

This was in the papers in PEI this morning too, hopefully it happens. Not sure if he'd consider a show in Charlottetown or not, our biggest venues (Civic Centre in Charlottetown, Wellness Centre in Summerside) each only hold in the 5,000 range...but as it states he's playing a 6000 seat venue in Ontario, so you never know.
But yeah, i'd have to assume the Metro Centre would be a definite if he does come.

shawnward2 · Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 47

So, my buddy says Elton is a go. 3 shows. I'm not sure where exactly, but he's going to try to let me know soon. Likely one in NB, one in NS and one in NFLD he thinks.

All this said, he got the word through someone else, and is only ever certain for the big outdoor shows. But he said the person that gave him the word is pretty solid. Pretty cool news if it pans out, cause, to be honest, the Ace Frehely, Trailer Park Boys, Cable dude wasn't very exciting to me! Wink

john holmes · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 9:02 pm Post subject:

I figure it will go something like this, in no particular order:

NB: Saint John - Harbour Station
NS: Halifax - Metro Centre
NFLD: St. John's - Mile One Centre

Poor Moncton get's left out again due to it's shitty venue. Crying or Very sad

ryan93 · Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 156

A guy i know just got back from seeing Elton in Portland the other night, and he wasn't aware that his current dates were just solo shows, without a full band backing him, and was very disappointed.
Hopefully if Elton takes the tour this way it's with the full band.

robbiemac · Joined: 04 Mar 2008 Posts: 67

Either way I'd be there. My wife actually wants to go to this show. I think it's great that he is going to out of the way places. Perhaps it will catch on.

I watched the Dixie Chicks flick (hold your fire) and it was interesting to see how quickly they flipped from the US with soft sales to a sold out Canadian tour.

With the US heading to a recession and our dollar worth a dollar we may very well see more acts.

SummerRocknHeckYes · Joined: 28 Feb 2008 Posts: 91 Location: Moncton, NB

This is great for Elton John fans..
I wouldnt be going.
But hurrah!

ryan93 · Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 156

So is there another concert announcement coming today for Halifax? I was listening to Magic 93 (Charlottetown) this morning, and they were talking about The Eagles concert, and then said "we find out today who is going to Halifax, Bruce Springsteen or Elton John".

shawnward2 · Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 47

The thing is, if today is an announcement for an outdoor show, then it won't be Elton. He is most definitely playing the Metro centre when it happens. That said, I haven't heard anything about today's announcement being an outdoor one, so who knows what it might be.

robbiemac · Joined: 04 Mar 2008 Posts: 67

At the David Foster event here on Saturday night they gave away tickets and a meet/greet pkg for the yet unannounced show.

As reported earlier look for it to be an Atlantic show with 4-5 stops.

I doubt Halifax will have an additional outdoor show on the commons this year. Springsteen would blow my mind.

Why are promoters not cashing in on infrastructure and holding two day events?

shawnward2 · Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 47

Anyone know what time the supposed Halifax announcement is today?

Capersinc · Joined: 25 Mar 2008 Posts: 40

Just Spoke with the Q, The Annoucement was suspossed to be at 9AM, but was Delayed. No Expected Time now for the annoucement

Only4You · Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Posts: 109 Location: Dartmouth

Haha! I've been busy and away from the radio and computer most of the morning. I missed the big announcement and since I haven't heard anything mentioned, just assumed it was an April Fool's joke! Good to know news is still coming! Smile

shawnward2 · Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 47