George Michael cancels Perth Arena opener

George Michael has cancelled his Australian tour and will be replaced by Elton John as the opening act of Perth Arena.

Chugg Entertainment today announced that Sir Elton John and his band will be the first act to open the newly constructed Perth Arena with a second Perth Concert on Saturday 10 November.

The event will be performed “Under The Stars” with the Arena roof open. Elton John’s other Perth concert, already sold out, is on Monday 12 November.

This concert by Sir Elton John replaces the George Michael concert scheduled for 10 November.

Tickets for the concert will go on sale on Wednesday 10 October at 9am WST.

Sir Elton John said: “My dear friend George Michael has been giving some amazing performances on the Symphonica tour, and I’m very sorry that he can’t play the Perth concert. But I’m more than happy to step in for him and play the opening night at the brand new Perth Arena on November 10.

“It is a fabulous building and I’m told we can even have the roof open for our concert and play under the stars! My band and I will make absolutely sure that the Perth Arena has an unforgettable opening night, and we are looking forward to seeing the city come out in force to celebrate this stunning new building.”

Michael Chugg said: “With one show already sold out and a long and successful touring history in Perth, we are thrilled to add one more show to Sir Elton’s November tour and for this to be the official opening of the new Perth Arena. As one of the greatest entertainers in the music business, this will be an incredible show for the people of Perth and a very special milestone for Sir Elton.”

Forty years ago, during April 1972, Elton John’s single Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be A Long Long Time) was released around the world. This concert tour will commemorate the 40 years since the release of Rocket Man as well as being a celebration of Elton’s greatest hits. Fans can expect to see this timeless entertainer take them on a journey through his multi-decade career.

The single, Rocket Man, was a global success, breaking records in multiple territories around the world and achieving the highest chart positions ever held at that point by any Elton John single.

Ticket holders for George Michael’s Perth Arena concert on Saturday 10 November 2012 have the option to:

• Use the ticket for the Elton John opening event. Ticket holders simply need to bring the existing ticket with them to Perth Arena to gain entry on the night. Note that new tickets will not be issued and that all existing George Michael Perth Arena tickets are now valid for Elton John Perth Arena on 10 November; or

• Obtain a full refund on the ticket.

If a ticket holder wishes to obtain a refund on the ticket, to facilitate prompt processing of the refund request, return the original ticket/s to Ticketek by Friday 12 October 2012:
Ticketek
Att: George Michael Perth Refunds
GPO Box 1610, Sydney NSW 2001
Ticket holders will need to send:
a. The ticket/s.
b. a small note confirming the request for a refund.
c. the ticket holders email address so Ticketek can send an email confirming the refund.
d. If the ticket holder paid by cash or EFTPOS, include the return postal address so Ticketek can send a cheque (for cash or EFTPOS purchases, a cheque will be issued).