Elton and Billy anniversary tour comes to WGAC

by Bonnie Collings
West Gippsland Elton John and Billy Joel fans are encouraged to follow the yellow brick road and get in a Warragul state of mind for the Elton and Billy Face To Face 25th Anniversary Tour, which hits the West Gippsland Arts Centre on Friday, August 18.
Twenty-five years on from the iconic Elton John and Billy Joel Face to Face Tour around Australia, AAA Entertainment has brought Australia's premier Elton John and Billy Joel performers, - Greg Andrew and Anthony Mara - together to recreate moments from the iconic 1998 tour and perform classic songs that audiences know and love.
Anthony Mara has been performing as Billy Joel for the past seven years. He said the band was looking forward to playing in Warragul for the first time.
"We love the regional audiences, they come out for a great time," Mr Mara said.
Mr Mara shared that on their way to new locations, band members looked up information about the town they're playing in and learn some of the history before they arrive.
"We wouldn't ordinarily go to these places, it's a great way to see the country," he said. "It's nice to see more than the capital cities."
A highlight of the tour is re-creation of the face to face pianos from the original Face to Face tour in 1998.
Audiences can expect to be blown away by the big catalogue of solos and duets that will be performed during the two hour long show.
"Expect non-stop hits, from song one to the last song of the encore" said Mr Mara.
Mr Mara encouraged audiences to head out to see the show and support the live music industry.
"We'd like people to not just support our show, but live music in general after the tough years we've had," he said.
The Elton and Billy Face To Face 25th Anniversary Tour concert will begin at 8pm on Friday August 18. The show will run for two hours including intermission. Tickets are $75 for full price and $65 for concession and can be purchased on the West Gippsland Arts Centre website or at the box office.