Piano-playing icons Elton John and Leon Russell will debut their new collaboration in concert several weeks earlier than previously expected. The veteran musicians this week announced plans to play for New York City audiences on the release date for their upcoming album, “The Union.”
The record release and coinciding concert are scheduled for October 19. John and Russell will take the stage at the historic Beacon Theatre in New York, NY, performing a mix of songs from their new project, as well as selections from their respective careers.
Public ticket sales for the concert begin August 27 on Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices, displayed under the company’s new all-in pricing initiative, range from $79 to $189.
Earlier this month, John and Russell announced a single date for what they’re now calling The Union Tour. Those plans send the collaborators across the country for a November 3 show at the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, CA.
For the California show, John and Russell will have their separate backing bands in tow. But the New York date will feature a special ensemble of session musicians from the recording of “The Union.”
Drummer Jay Bellerose, steel guitarist Russ Paul, guitarists Marc Ribot and Jackson Smith, keyboardist Keefus Ciancia, mandolin player Mike Compton, and bassist Dennis Crouch are among those accompanying the Beacon Theatre performance, according to John’s official Web site.
It is unclear at this time how many dates will be included on The Union Tour calendar in full, or whether any additional concerts will fill the gap between the current East and West Coast concerts. However, in a summer interview with Billboard, John mentioned his plans to tour with Russell in 2011.
Russell is in the midst of a solo tour of the United States, with the next show slated for August 26 at Space in Evanston, IL. His personal itinerary extends up to his first gig with John. The Rocket Man, meanwhile, is on the eve of launching a European tour, which will keep him on the international circuit through the early part of October.
Elton John & Leon Russell – The Union Tour itinerary:
(Dates are subject to change.)
| October 19 | New York, NY | Beacon Theatre |
| November 3 | Hollywood, CA | Hollywood Palladium |
