JESSE NEILL

SOUTH Australia’s Brenton Edgecombe will be bringing his own brand of Elton John to Gawler for the very first time this Friday.
Edgecombe will be performing his hit show ‘Crocodile Rocket – Songs and stories of Sir Elton John’ from 8pm at the Gawler Civic Centre.
The show includes an all-hits Elton John song list, as well as the stories behind some of the singer’s greatest tunes and hilarious anecdotes from his life and career.
For Edgecombe, performing as Elton is something that has always come naturally.
“I’ve been performing as Elton John in one way or another since I was a child,” he said.
Edgecombe explained how his fascination with Elton began when his dad brought him home a documentary titled ‘From Russia with Elton’.
“I saw that doco as a young kid and it really had an impact on me,” he said.
“I loved what he was doing music-wise and performance-wise – he was also pioneering as he was the first western rock star to ever tour Russia – and I was really inspired by his craftsmanship, so it all went from there.”
Edgecombe said his favourite part of performing is hearing the audience’s reactions, and he also loves talking with the crowd after the show to receive some immediate feedback.
“I’ve been a professional entertainer for over 20 years and still my favourite comment is when someone gets dragged along to the show and says ‘wow, I didn’t expect to like that so much’,” he said.
“Elton’s a solo type of performer – he’s just by himself.
“That means it’s very much on me to maintain the energy the whole time…I can’t just sit back while someone does a drum or guitar solo.
“Ultimately, to be like him you’ve got to be able to not only sing and perform like him, but play the piano like him as well, so it’s quite a balancing act.”
Bookings can be made in person at the Gawler Visitor Information Centre, 2 Lyndoch Road, Gawler, or online at eventbrite.com.au