ELTON JOHN’s VEGAS Show, THE RED PIANO, Out on DVD/BluRay

MUSIC NEWS -  Debuting back in Febr 2004,  thousands of Elton John fans had traveled to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to see his over 200 sold-out The Red Piano shows, breaking attendance records and setting new standards for live musical entertainment.  Now, a concert DVD (and Blu-ray) version of the show are out (May 5, 2009 from Universal Music) and contain the 14-song performance of The Red Piano.  The releases include favorites such as “Candle in the Wind,” “Your Song,” “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer.”  And, the Blu-ray version features a bonus 50-minute documentary, “The Life and Legacy Of Elton John,” with extra behind-the-scenes of David LaChapelle’s treatment of the show, plus stage projections, as well as unique raw videos made for the stage backdrop for select songs.  LaChapelle is known for his celebrity portraits and videography for artists such as Madonna, Amy Winehouse, and Britney Spears.

Using a red piano as a starting point, John enlisted his friend, and photographer, David LaChapelle to create art and imagery that would complement the music and enhance the audience experience, coupled with lyrics by long-standing song-writing partner Bernie Taupin.  The production raised the bar for Las Vegas performances featuring multi-color neon sculpture, pop art, inflatables, baubles, balloons and the band. “It’s [the show] what I’m like from an artistic point of view,” said Elton. “It’s fun, it’s deep, it’s the songs I really love and it gives me a chance to get across what I am all about, visually as well as musically.”

DVD and BluRay release specs below the break-

Elton John and Billy Joel Tickets Ends 8/1/2009

DVD & BLU-RAY:

RED PIANO LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS [104 mins]

[Band Instrumental Performance]

1.       Bennie and the Jets

2.       Philadelphia Freedom *

3.       Believe *

4.       Daniel *

5.       Rocket Man *

6.       Answer In The Sky *

7.       Tiny Dancer

[Band Introduction]

8.       Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On *

9.       Candle In The Wind *

[Elton Suit Change / Vegas Montage Footage]

10.   Pinball Wizard *

11.   Bitch Is Back *

12.   I’m Still Standing *

13.   Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting *

[Encore]

14.   Your Song

BLU-RAY ONLY:

DOCUMENTARY [50 mins]

The Life and Legacy of Elton John, with behind-the-scenes of David LaChapelle’s ‘Red Piano’ treatment of Elton’s live stage show.

DAVID LACHAPELLE STAGE PROJECTIONS

The unique raw videos made for the stage back drop for track marked with *.