Elton John Plans Free Concert at The Colosseum in Rome

Elton John is preparing for his free concert to be held in front of the ancient Colosseum in Rome on Saturday, September 3rd. John has stated that this will be the “highlight” of his 30-year career and he has been preparing the details with almost maniacal zeal .

"I can't wait to be in Rome to play in front of the Colosseum," he said. "I'm honored by this chance I have to perform in such a special place and in such a special city." The pianist, singer and showman will perform his normal collection of songs so that the concert will last a good three hours instead of the usual 90 minutes. He is expected to run through most of his greatest hits, including classics such as Your Song, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Crocodile Rock. He is having a huge, aluminum-and-plastic stage built in front of the Colosseum. At almost 30 feet high, it's twice as big as a normal outdoor concert stage. Organizers say that the construction - complete with 20 tons of lights - will be practically transparent so that audience members will get a great view of the ancient Roman gladiators' arena.

The 58-year-old performer is so determined to get the lights and special effects right that he has built an identical stage on the grounds of his estate outside London. That way he will be able to assess and tweak the planned light show while he is still at home. Elton John, born Reginald Dwight, is reportedly anxious to see that his Rome gig is no less successful than ones given in the same place by Paul McCartney and Simon & Garfunkel. As part of the build-up to the event, Elton John has also revealed that he will perform a special duet during the set with a mystery guest from the world of show business.

Meanwhile here in America, producers prepare for the world premiere of the musical, Lestat, inspired by novelist Anne Rice's best-selling Vampire Chronicle. Elton John and musical partner, Bernie Taupin wrote the songs and music for the upcoming stage delight. This show is a first for the songwriting team of John and Taupin and John's third Broadway musical, following The Lion King and Aida. Hugh Panaro (Les Miserables, Side Show) stars in the title role. Lestat is scheduled to premiere on December 17 at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco before opening on Broadway in March, according to the show's public relations representative.