Captain Fantastic Elton John to play JPJ

Sir Elton John in concert in Alaska in May.
PHOTO BY R. ROSENBERGER

Sir Elton John, the child piano prodigy turned international superstar, is coming to Charlottesville. Officials with the John Paul Jones arena made the announcement 40 minutes ago via email that the musician will perform in concert on Friday, October 17.

John, who divides his time between homes in Britain and Atlanta, shot to fame in 1970 with a self-titled album that contained the poignant single, "Your Song."

During the 1970s, he became one of the world's top recording artists with hits that became and remain familiar to generations of AM–- and now FM–- radio listeners. From elegiac softies like "Daniel," "Tiny Dancer," and "Rocket Man" to lush rockers like "Benny and the Jets," "Crocodile Rock," and "Honky Cat," John owned the airwaves.

After the untimely death of his friend, Diana, the Princess of Wales in 1997, John reworked his 1973 homage to Marilyn Monroe, "Candle in the Wind," into an elegy for the departed princess, "Goodbye England's Rose."

Tickets go on sale this Saturday.