Sir Elton John coming to Mackay: What you need to know

MACKAY will play host to one of the world's biggest superstars Sir Elton John later this year.

The 69-year-old will take to the stage at BB Print Stadium during his regional Once In A Lifetime tour in September.

"I always love coming back to Australia," the Candle in the Wind singer said.

"It holds a very special place in my heart, ever since my first visit there at the start of my world-wide career in 1971.

"My band and I are really looking forward to playing there again in September and this tour will be even more memorable because it will be the first time I have ever played Mackay and Cairns...which I can't believe but there you have it.

"If the audiences are anything like those at all of the other shows we have done in Queensland over the years, everyone will surely be in for a wonderful crazy night."

He will also visit Cairns in September.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the announcement was "awesome".

He said one of his favourite songs is Bennie And The Jets.

"We're looking forward to this as the event of the year for 2017, it will take a lot to top Elton John playing in Mackay," he said.

Cr Williamson said more than 5000 people will be expected to attend the concert.

What you need to know:

• Sir Elton John will play at BB Print Stadium in Mackay on September 22
• General public tickets will go on sale March 14 via moshtix
• Tickets will be priced from $99 to about $300

Who is he?

• He released the biggest selling single of all time, Candle In The Wind 1997 (more than 33,000,000 copies sold)
• He received Knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II, February 24, 1998
• Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, is one of the most highly acclaimed and successful solo artists of all time.
• He has achieved 38 gold and 31 platinum or multi-platinum albums, has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, and holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time.
• Since launching his first tour in 1970, Sir Elton has more than 4000 performances in more than 80 countries to his credit.
• Sir Elton is the third most successful artist in the history of the American charts, behind only Elvis Presley and the Beatles.

His greatest hits

• Bennie And The Jets
• Rocket Man
• Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
• Circle of Life
• Candle in the Wind
• Tiny Dancer
• Can You Feel the Love Tonight
• I'm Still Standing
• Crocodile Rock