Face to face … again

This may only sound epic because the last time it happened you were about eleven years old, but Billy Joel and Elton John are coming to town. Together.

The duo performed at the Delta Center in 2001, and will return to the venue (now called the EnergySolutions Arena) on Nov. 20.
Perhaps two of the most famous musicians of the 20th century, the piano man and Captain Fantastic will open the concert with a few duets, each played on their own piano. They will then each play a solo set with their own band, ending with both superstars and their supporting musicians playing together for a closing encore.

If anything, this tour shows that Joel and John know how to make money. After so much success in their 1994, 2001, and 2003 Face to Face tours, the duo is able to keep excitement up about their duets by staggering tour stops, like they did here in Utah. “We are honored to have Billy Joel and Elton John come together on one stage and to perform here in Salt Lake City,” said Mark Powell, Vice President of Events at Energy Solutions Arena. “These two artists are legends in the world of music and it brings me great joy to be part of bringing two superstars to their fans.”

Billboard Magazine called the duo’s 2003 tour, which had 24 sellouts, “the most successful touring package of all time.” Don’t expect any less of this year’s tour.
Tickets, which went on sale March 30, have already found their way to eBay. As of last Thursday, the best seats available through traditional ticket-buying venues were on the floor, on the 25th row of the furthest floor section from the stage.

The best tickets, including suites and center-stage floor tickets, are available on eBay.com, mostly as Buy it Now items. But if you’re looking to get that close to Joel and John, expect to pay at least $500 per ticket.
It always pays off to check local classified websites such as SaltLakeCity.Craigslist.com and ksl.com, where you can get floor tickets for a much smaller markup. But check thoroughly and check often — you’ve got to be quick to snag tickets here.

Where: Energy Solutions Arena, 310 W. South Temple, SLC
When: November 20, 2009

Tickets: Available at ticketmaster.com or the EnergySolutions Arena box office (at 301 W. South Temple in Salt Lake)
You can also purchase them at various Albertsons, Macy’s and FYE locations, the nearest being the Albertsons at 25 W. Center in Orem or the FYE at 130 E. University Parkway in Orem.

Tickets are priced at $55-$181, plus applicable service fees. Limit 8 per customer