SIX shows, five band members, one inspiration — Ultimate Elton and The Rocket Band’s India tour promises to draw in every Sir Elton John fan out here, both loyal and new. After all, this group was recognised as the top tribute band in the UK at the National Tribute Awards last year, and has a lead vocalist, Paul Bacon, who can easily pass off as the legendary musician. Especially when donning original costumes by Paul Smith, Versace and many others, bought from Sir Elton’s series of charity sales called Out Of The Closet.
In the country this week to perform in Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and Hyderabad, the tribute band will play classics spanning across Elton’s career, such as Your Song, Candle in the Wind, Crocodile Rock, Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man, Can You Feel The Love Tonight, and more. “My favourite song of his is Someone Saved My Life Tonight and my favourite album is Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy,” says Paul, who started performing Elton’s songs during his university days. “I do look a little like Sir Elton, so thankfully, I don’t have to try too hard! Also, I have a similar tone of voice, so that helps too,” he shares.
A fan of artistes like The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, Paul also appreciates new-age musicians, like John Legend and Adele. However, he has no plans of experimenting with new styles of music, unless of course if Sir Elton himself writes new music. “We will have to try and keep up then,” says Paul.
Following his India tour, the band will head back to UK, where a packed schedule awaits. “We will be accompanying Scottish pop band The Bay City Rollers in a performance, plus there are festivals coming up where we will perform alongside British singer-songwriter Beverley Craven and ’80s band The Thompson Twins,” Paul reveals.
On April 9. At Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Hall. Tickets from `500 onwards.
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