According to a report in the Tonga Star, the kingdom in the south Pacific Ocean will be the location for Elton's last concert in 2009 and the first one in 2010.

For those of you that were already looking up flight connections to Hunga Ha'apai ... this was of course an April fools joke.

The information that was apparently leaked to the newspaper from an intern working for the local organizers reveals that Elton is planning a spectacular show on the new landmass that was just recently created by the eruption on the tiny volcanic island of Hunga Ha'apai, 62 kilometres away from the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa.

The show will consist of four parts: Elton will start with a solo set (approx. 30 minutes) before being joined on stage by percussionist Ray Cooper for the second part of the show (approx. 45 minutes). Elton and Ray will then be completed by the Elton John Band for a third set of approx. one hour. For the last part, which will begin shortly before midnight, Elton will be performing together with Billy Joel - similar to the grand finale of their current "Face to Face" tour.

Elton will be using the red piano from the Las Vegas shows for the entire concert. It is also rumoured that at least parts of David LaChapelle's stage show will be used during the event on Hunga Ha'apai.

As the eruption mid March 2009 has destroyed rich birdlife and vegetation, leaving a wasteland of black ash and tree stumps, the island will only be used to set up the gigantic stage. Seats for spectators will be available on floating islands along the shoreline.

It is also reported that some of the big cruise ships, including the Queen Mary 2, plan to drop anchor at the time of the show, allowing their passengers to watch the concert from the comfort of their luxury cabins with balconies or from the deck of the ships.

As the Tonga islands (also known as The Friendly Islands) are just west of the international date line (UTC + 13 hours), the concert will mark the first major event of the year 2010. Elton will also be the first major recording artist to perform within a 1,500 miles radius of the Tonga islands.

Details about ticket sales are not yet known at this point in time. Seating will be very limited on the floating islands and due to the logistical efforts involved in setting up the stage and floating auditorium, it is expected that tickets will start at $1,000.

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