HIS sensational show has been described as the greatest love letter ever written to the genius that is Billy Joel.
Celebrated singer-songwriter and pianist Elio Pace and his incredible band are bringing their award-winning show The Billy Joel Songbook to Southampton.
Following two huge sell-out tours, the 2024 tour kicks off at the Mayflower Theatre on Monday March 18 with a hometown date for Elio, who was raised in Eastleigh.
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The show pays homage to one of the most iconic musicians, singer-songwriters and composers of the 20th century.
Transporting the audience through a catalogue of Joel’s music, Elio and his band will perform more than 30 hits, including The Longest Time, She’s Always A Woman, An Innocent Man, Uptown Girl, Tell Her About It, The River of Dreams, We Didn’t Start The Fire and Piano Man.
Elio said: "We all get such a buzz touring this show so we absolutely cannot wait to get back out on the road. And for me, to be starting this one in Southampton is pretty special.
"I’ve wanted to bring The Billy Joel Songbook to the Mayflower for a very long time. It is the first theatre I ever knew as a child so to return with my band celebrating my music idol is going to be quite a moment for me.
"The music of Billy Joel is timeless. He is a genius composer and, in my humble opinion, the greatest singer/songwriter of all-time. I really do feel humbled that so many people want to see us perform his music."
The late broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan was a huge fan describing Elio as “Only sensational,” and in 2010 he was the musical director for BBC Radio 2’s Weekend Wogan performing as the featured artist on all 35 shows broadcast that year.
Singer/songwriter, piano-player, producer and arranger, Elio was the musical director for Radio 2's Weekend Wogan and has performed with stars including Brian May, Huey Lewis, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Lulu, and Martha Reeves.
In 2013 and 2014, he was invited to ‘fill Billy Joel’s shoes’, starring in five very special reunion concerts in the USA with Joel’s original 1971-72 touring band.
Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday.
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