Elton John, known for his extravagant style and spending, has just splurged and bought himself a brand new $1 million piano which he will use in his live show at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The new piano launches his latest "The Million Dollar Piano" tour at Caesars Palace, which replaces his extremely successful "The Red Piano" tour that ran from 2004 to 2009. The Red Piano tour was produced with acclaimed photographer and director David LaChapelle, who designed many of the visual elements for Elton's live show.
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Elton John showboating for the crowd at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas / Ethan Miller/Getty Images
The Million Dollar Piano is a custom Yamaha grand piano that took four years to complete. It is fully visual piano that can show live or recorded video, animations and colors that follow the music being played using 68 LED video panels. Following his tradition of naming his pianos after his favourite female performers, this piano is nicknamed "Blossom" after the late jazz singer, pianist and cabaret performer Blossom Dearie.
A large screen is placed behind Elton John and his piano, for images and visuals to match his songs, with his six-piece band and four back-up singers behind it. The show's theme is a journey through his career in music, with accompanying visuals from his music, life and related historical events. Always dressed in various elaborate outfits, Elton also tells stories to the crowd between songs about people who inspire him, such as John Lennon, Elizabeth Taylor and Bernie Taupin, his co-writer for most of his career. While still incorporating many visual elements, the Million Dollar Piano is more personal and historical, with it toned down from the much flashier Red Piano tour with David LaChapelle.
Elton John first performance on his Million Dollar Piano / Ethan Miller/Getty Images
While it seems like a lot for a piano, Elton John is no stranger to balling out with his massive net worth. At his peak he was reportedly spending over $2 million a month on his lifestyle. He owns mansions in England, The United States, Italy and France. He has dozens of cars, and sold 20 at Christie's Auction, saying he's never got the chance to drive them. He is a huge art collector and is said to have one of the biggest photograph collections in the world. He is also loves flowers, so much so that he would always send fresh flowers to family and friends and was spending over $200,000 per month on flowers alone. He even once filled up a private jet with fresh flowers just for a flight.
Elton John is all smiles after dropping $1 million on a new piano / Ethan Miller/Getty Images
