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22 December 2024, 22:26
Still Standing? Elton John's new figure does more than that.
Elton John's retirement from touring and recent documentary films has had fans looking back joyfully at a stunning career that's not over yet.
Sir Elton has pledged to still play the occasional live show and will continue to record new music, despite the eyesight problems that have recently put his plans for his next album on hold.
It still very much feels like the time to celebrate all things Elton, and now London's Madame Tussauds is getting in on the action.
For their new Elton figure they've done something more than a little bit special, describing the model flying in mid air over his baby grand piano as their most structurally ambitious figure yet.
"Elton John is a true living legend and a dazzling personality to behold, so we knew we had to go above and beyond for this figure," said the attraction's general manager Steve Blackburn.
Elton John’s Piano Jump figure at Madame Tussauds
"Capturing Elton's phenomenal stage presence – and that iconic keyboard handstand – in figure form is quite the challenge, and the result is one of our most technically ambitious figures to date."
He added: "It feels fitting to unveil this one-of-a-kind figure for the festive season and showcase the expert craftsmanship that’s gone in to deliver a pose that we have never done before!
"Elton is a star deserving of the grandest spotlight, and we’ve made sure that his figure captures the attention of everyone in the room – much like the icon himself."
As well as the figure itself, which is based on Elton's 1975 Midsummer Music one-day festival at Wembley Stadium, the model pays very strict attention to detail.
Elton let the Madame Tussauds team borrow and recreate his original bejewelled Bob Mackie jumpsuit, and they also have perfect copies of his glasses and platforms.
Even better, that shining Yahama piano is covered in 24,000 thousand rhinestones.