EASTLEIGH'S own talented singer songwriter and piano player Elio Pace will be living the dream when he and his six piece band perform The Billy Joel Songbook on a nationwide tour.

Elio was invited by Billy Joel’s original touring band to fill Billy's shoes, starring in five very special reunion concerts in the USA recreating the historic Sigma Sounds live recordings.

This incredible honour inspired Elio to fulfil a lifetime ambition of creating a theatre show showcasing the wonderful songbook of the six-time Grammy award winner, Billy Joel.

An appearance at the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth on October 26 is among a 50 dates around the UK, which will be packed with over 30 of Joel's hits and fan favourites.

Elio, who now lives in Surrey, grew up in Eastleigh and attended Toynbee School in Chandlers Ford and Barton Peveril College.

Since then, he has thrilled audiences around the world for over 25 years with his soulful voice and amazing piano playing. With his unique blend of pop, rhythm &blues, jazz and rock ’n’ roll, Elio’s songwriting, as featured on his critically acclaimed debut album, A Seat At My Table, has captured the attention and the hearts of music lovers worldwide.

His journey has been littered with magical moments and along the way he has performed with a wonderful array of stars from Queen's Brian May, Huey Lewis, Katie Melua, Craig David, Albert Lee, Debbie Reynolds, Don McLean, Glen Campbell, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Raul Malo and Martha Reeves to name but a few. He has even played for Hollywood actress Sandra Bullock at her 30th birthday party, at which she got up and sung a duet with him.

He appeared live-on-air to millions as the featured artist on BBC Radio 2's Weekend Wogan in 2010. Sir Terry Wogan was a fan and helped place Elio in the hearts and minds of the station's listeners. Every Sunday morning throughout the programme’s run, Elio displayed his skills as a singer, songwriter, piano-player, musical director and arranger.

Elio and the band were featured by Sky Sports in their coverage of the 2015 Ashes series with a specially re-written version of Billy Joel's We Didn't Start The Fire.

Later that year, Elio performed alongside legendary guitarists James Burton and Albert Lee at the London Palladium as part of Jerry Lee Lewis' 80th Birthday UK Farewell Concerts.

His appearance on BBC's flagship hit children's show ZingZillas as "the greatest Boogie Woogie player in the land" turned him into a household name... well at least to every CBeebies-loving under five-year-old and their parents!

From Elstree Studios to the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Radio 2's 'Elvis Forever' to 'Proms In The Park' and from The Bitter End in New York to the BBC Radio Theatre in London, Elio thrills wherever he performs.

Elio is currently working on an exciting new album due for release next year and you can catch him live in Hampshire by calling 023 9282 8282 or visiting kingsportsmouth.co.uk