Aussie Tours: Elton Adds Theatre Show

Chugg Entertainment has him at the 5,500-seat Hordern Pavilion in Sydney Dec. 17. Elton played that venue when he began touring Australia in 1971, continuing to stop there on subsequent visits even after he moved up to arenas. He last played there 1982, after which he switched to the 13,250-capacity Sydney Entertainment Centre (SEC). Captain Fantastic will on Dec. 19 play the last ever concert at the SEC, now known as Qantas Credit Union Arena, before it is demolished

. In other news, ticket response to Hugh Jackman’s eight-date Broadway To Oz Nov. 24 to Dec. 15 arena tour was strong off the block. Dainty Group added five extra shows in all five cities on the day tickets went on sale.

The Reggae Royalty Tour – with Eddy Grant, Sly & Robbie and Inner Circle – through One World Entertainment hits Sydney Enmore Theatre Feb. 17 and Melbourne Palais Theatre Feb. 18.

The Stranglers are confirmed for five theatres and clubs April 17-23.

Fellow British punk pioneers The Exploited do eight clubs in New Zealand and Australia Dec. 4-14 for Tombowler.

Live Nation and Round Up have Oklahoma-hailed JD McPherson and band at five theatres Feb. 19-25 and New Zealand Feb. 27.

Live Nation has Swedish metal band Soilwork at five clubs Feb. 10-16 and New Zealand Feb. 17.

Also on Live Nation’s schedule is four theatre stops by British comedian and author Dawn French’s new show 30 Million Minutes January 28 to March 2.

Papua New Guinea superstar George Telek teams with Australian musicians David Bridie of Not Drowning Waving, Ben Hakalitz of Yothu Yindi and Charles Maimarosia of Narasirato for a six-date run Sept. 10-19 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of PNG’s independence. The tour is booked through world music promoter Wantok Musik.