Thousands of fans can ring in the New Year with Sir Elton John at London's O2 Arena, it has been announced.

The Rocket Man will take to the stage at the Greenwich venue on December 31st, with acclaimed photographer David LaChapelle producing the spectacular show.

Sir Elton's New Year's Eve gig sees him follow in the footsteps of Take That, who last year marked the end of 2007 in the former Millennium Dome.

"I can't wait to spend New Year's Eve with 17,000 of my biggest fans," the singer said.

The announcement of the New Year's show follows the revelation earlier this week that Sir Elton plans to tour the world with Billy Joel.

A series of shows beginning in March will last "for at least two years, on and off, all over the world," he said on US TV show The View.

"It's something I've looked forward to for a long time - we haven't done it for a while," he explained.

The two first toured as a pair in 1994, last appearing together in 2003.

"I love touring with him and I have the greatest respect for him - we're both such good friends."


14/11/2008 15:12:41