When it comes to performing the music
and having the look of Sir Elton John, there are few that
embody the presence and uncanny likeness quite like Greg
Andrew. He owns the stage, channels the music, and has
audiences believing it could really be the man himself! With
his virtuosic piano playing, combined with his vocal timbre,
it is no surprise that Greg is internationally recognised as
one of the best Elton John tribute artists in the world.
The Elton John Experience is known for paying homage to the
great music of Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin. They have
performed a hugely successful run of shows, both in Australia
and overseas with performances in over 30 countries and to a
collective audience of over 500 000 people.
“I feel that the music Sir Elton John & Bernie Taupin have written together over the course of 50 years in many ways, has been like growing up with a life long friend, who has been there all the way! It is incredible to think that they have written so many songs together that are timeless and multi generational. I see with audiences, there are grand parents, parents and young adults who come and enjoy the show. Even though the 70’s was an incredibly creative time for Sir Elton & Bernie, 20 years later, there were kids growing up with The Lion King soundtrack,” says Greg. “In this show, there’s something for everyone. I would call this a celebration of Sir Elton John and his music, and his incredible legacy that is the Rocketman.”
The Elton John Experience is widely
reputed as one of the best Elton John tribute bands globally
and Greg Andrew is regarded as one of the best in the world at
his craft. In 2017, Greg Andrew became the first and only
Elton John tribute artist worldwide to be invited to perform
at the biggest and most prestigious tribute artist festival in
the world, called TRIBFEST UK, held annually in Yorkshire,
England.
Channeling the music of Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin, who
have inspired Greg from the beginning, along side his 6 piece
band who are world class, this show is one of the most
authentic reproductions of an Elton John concert you will see.
“For Greg Andrew, it was the song,
Your Song that first impacted him and inspired his love of
Elton. “The beautiful piano melody I can remember learning
when I was a kid,” says Greg. “As a young kid learning
classical piano and then going on to the Queensland
Conservatorium of Music, there are certain parallels you could
say with Sir Elton. It is an incredible honour and privilege
to perform these iconic songs, and have the audiences react
the way they do.”
The Elton John Experience will feature hit after hit from
Elton’s back catalogue. With tracks such as I’m Still
Standing, Saturday Nights Alright For Fightin’, Candle In The
Wind, Daniel, Honky Cat, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me and
Crocodile Rock to name a few, it will be a spectacular evening
from start to finish. Greg Andrew and the Elton John
Experience band look forward to exchanging that love and
energy of Sir Elton John with audiences. “This show and these
songs will give you the ultimate Elton John Experience,” says
Greg.
Piano, Vocals
Greg Andrew started playing classical piano at the age of
11. He quickly advanced through the grades which led him to
being accepted for tertiary study at the Queensland
Conservatorium of Music where he graduated in 1989.
Over the next 20 years, Greg built a professional career in
the music industry, traveling extensively throughout
Australia, performing as a piano vocalist entertainer in
many of the premier hotels, resorts and casinos.
In addition to Greg's virtuosic piano playing and vocal
timbre, he has always been "referenced" to as Elton by the
public all his career because of his uncanny natural
resemblance to Sir Elton John. In 2009 The Elton John
Experience was born and Greg now tours the show
internationally and has earnt the reputation as one of the
BEST ELTON JOHN TRIBUTES IN THE WORLD.
Lead Guitar, Vocals
Rob Black has released 2 full length albums, multiple singles
and film clips over the course of a decade.
He has spent years touring with the elite of Australia’s
country music industry including Adam Brand, James Blundell and Lee Kernaghan.
This ensures you get to see the results of all that experience every time Rob
performs.
Our own "Davey" has been influenced by many people....including Davey Johnstone, from
guitar choice to tonal variations, and prides himself on
recapturing the essence of the song.
Rob's feel and performance has been a huge asset to the show,
and has been performing with The Elton John
Experience since 2023.
Bass Guitar, Vocals
TJ’s musical career commenced at the age of 12 when he began
playing guitar. However, by the time he reached 16 years of
age, he developed a passion for the bass. This resulted in
30 plus enjoyable years as a bass player/-backing vocalist.
His talent and dedication have taken him in many different
directions, from teaching and recording to working alongside
many talented artists such as The Eurhythmics – Jenny
Morris- 1927- Mental as Anything- The Church- The Divinyls,
Johnny Diesel and Deni Hines to name a few.
TJ is currently performing with Australian and
internationally acclaimed acts, and has been performing with
The Elton John Experience as our "Matt Bisonette" since
2015.
Drums, Vocals
Daniel has been playing drums and percussion for over 20
years.
He has balanced live performance with a successful drum
teaching career. Daniel understands the role of a drummer is
to provide a solid foundation for the rest of the ensemble
to build upon.
Having built his reputation as a drummer that “plays for the
song”, Daniel has covered a wide variety of genres and
settings in his drumming career. From pop music to jazz, he
has been in demand for many years with international theatre
productions which has allowed him to perform both nationally
and internationally.
He has been a long time fan of Nigel Olsen's drumming and
brings his passion and perfection to his performance to
drive the songs as authentically as possible.
Daniel and has been performing with The Elton John
Experience since 2012.
Vocals
Ariana is a soulful and talented performer who leaves her
audiences filled with a sense of wonder and happiness.
Music and vocals are taken to a new level, with a depth of
extreme harmony and content. Ari has been a successful
performer for many years performing in cultural shows on the
international circuit and recently has popularity on the RNB
scene around Brisbane.
Ari has worked with an array of professional and local
talents and also frequents the stage as a lead herself. With
strains of a Soul Train, an infusion of Jazz, and a
spiciness of rhythm, no matter where she performs Ari picks
up new fans where ever she goes.
With a melting pot of talent from harmonies to lead vocals,
Ari is definitely a voice you want to hear more of. So
consume your senses with Ari, you’ll be more than pleased
that you did!
Ari has been performing with The Elton John Experience since
2017.
Percussion
Simon first picked up a pair of drumsticks at the age of 6 years old. The next decade was
spent taking lessons and performing in school bands. At the age of 16, Simon was performing
live shows in his hometown of Adelaide, which paved the way for him performing across all
states & territories of Australia, and overseas, for the last 25+ years…..and counting!
A drummer by trade, Simon has been playing percussion for 15+ years and delivers
the perfect balance of light and shade, sparkle and dynamics to The Elton John Experience.
In true Ray Cooper fashion, Simon brings not only another musical layer to the band, but a
visual energy to the stage which is genuine and honest.
Now residing in Gold Coast, Simon is a working session musician performing in a number of tribute
shows and bands around Australia. Whether it be driving a band from behind the kit, or adding colour
to a live show from behind the congas and chimes, Simon pays respect to the song and artist being
covered through his musicianship and awareness of his role in the band.
Simon has been performing with The Elton John Experience since 2019.