Sir Elton John to air classic concerts as he launches virtual YouTube series

2 July 2020, 12:00 | Updated: 14 September 2023, 16:00

Sir Elton John is launching a fundraiser with the help of old footage of his concerts.

The 73-year-old showman is reliving some of his classic concerts, as he launches a new series on YouTube.

A set of shows between 1976 and 2001 will play on his online channel, with funds going towards the COVID-19 Fund for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Sir Elton said: "My Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund helps frontline partners prepare for and respond to the pandemic and its effects on HIV prevention and care for the most marginalised communities.

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"We cannot jeopardise HIV testing and care during this time or else the results could be disastrous for the 37.5 million people living with HIV.

Elton John Classic Concert Series

"So, I’m really happy to connect this YouTube Concert series to benefit our Foundation’s urgent COVID response."

A description beneath Sir Elton's YouTube video read: "Bringing you six monumental concerts from Elton John’s archive available on YouTube for the first time ever, starting with Live At The Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, 1976.

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"The Elton John: Classic Concert Series is running in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund to continue HIV prevention and care for the most vulnerable people around the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"There are 37 million people living with HIV around the world and we cannot lose the gains we’ve made to end the AIDS epidemic during this time."

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The series will kick off on July 3, with a two hour concert premiering on his channel every Saturday at 5pm BST for six weeks.

Sir Elton was forced to postpone the summer dates on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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In a statement, the singer’s team said: "It is with deep regret that Elton John must postpone the remainder of his upcoming North American 2020 dates on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour from May 22 through July 8.

"Previously postponed performances were from March 26 through May 2, 2020."