-By Kim Parnell-
For more than 15 years, Greg Andrew has been bringing the music of Sir Elton John to life on stages around the world. As the driving force behind the Elton John Experience, Greg has performed in more than 30 countries, entertaining audiences from Australia to Europe and beyond.
Along the way, there have been plenty of unforgettable moments. A career highlight came in 2017 when Greg performed at the world’s largest tribute festival, Tribfest UK, in front of crowds of up to 40,000 people.
“Tribfest was a huge deal both personally and professionally,” Greg said. “You need an invitation to perform there, the owner and promoter travel all around the world looking for the best tribute acts.”
Greg made history as the first, and still only, Elton John tribute artist invited to perform at the prestigious event.
“For an Aussie to go over there and perform as British royalty on British soil and receive the reception I did was pretty amazing. That’s something that will always stay with me.”
While Elton John is renowned for his music, he’s equally famous for his larger-than-life stage presence. For Greg, recreating that experience while remaining authentic is a balancing act.
“I’m fortunate that many of the mannerisms come naturally,” Greg said. “Piano is my main instrument, and I look a lot like Elton. I’ve paid close attention to the details, from the glasses to many of the jackets and costumes.”
Despite the resemblance, Greg makes it clear audiences are watching his interpretation.
“I stay as true to Elton as I can, but everyone knows it’s not Elton. When I speak to the audience, it’s in my own voice, not an English Elton voice. That’s always worked for me, and people seem to enjoy it.
Before launching The Elton John Experience, Greg spent 20 years performing in piano bars, casinos and resorts around Australia.
“People were always asking me to play Elton songs and telling me how much I looked like him,” Greg said. “It happened for years, but I never thought about doing a tribute show.”
Eventually, the comments became too frequent to ignore.
By 2008, Greg was ready for a new challenge.
Despite being booked solid for another year, Greg assembled a band and launched The Elton John Experience in early 2009.
“It’s been what I’ve done ever since.”
One Elton John song has held a special place in Greg’s heart since childhood – Your Song.
“I think it’s a beautifully written song,” he said. “I learned it when I was about 10 while studying classical piano. My teacher introduced it to me before I really knew much about Elton.”
More than 50 years after its release, Greg believes its appeal lies in its simplicity and timeless lyrics.
“You can play it with basic chords and melody, but the piano part has incredible intricacy. The lyrics are still relevant today, which is remarkable considering it first appeared in 1970.”
Greg said his studies at the Queensland Conservatorium helped shape him as a performer.
“Classical piano gave me the technical foundation,” he explained. “I also took jazz lessons, which helped free up my playing.”
The blend of classical discipline and jazz improvisation proved the perfect fit.
“Having that structure and freedom helped me develop a style very similar to Elton’s. His music feels natural for me to play.”
Of course, Elton John’s success is inseparable from his legendary songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin. Together, they created some of the most beloved songs in popular music history.
“I think a big part of their appeal is the melodies,” Greg said. “Songs like Tiny Dancer and Rocket Man are instantly recognisable.”
He believes the music continues to connect with audiences across multiple generations.
“People have grown up with these songs. They’re attached to memories and moments.”
Greg points to Candle in the Wind as an example.
“When Elton performed it as Goodbye England’s Rose at Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997, it became one of those moments where people remember exactly where they were.”
Other songs have found new audiences through film and popular culture.
“Tiny Dancer reached younger audiences through Almost Famous, while Rocket Man introduced Elton’s music to another generation.
Greg is now looking forward to bringing that energy to the Odyssey Festival in Maryborough on Saturday, July 25.
“I love the festival scene,” he said. “The great thing about performing Elton’s music is that there are so many incredible hits.
“The show will be high energy, but it will also include all the ballads people love to sing along to.”
One of the highlights of the festival will be a special performance featuring Greg and Anthony, from The Billy Joel Experience.
“The last half hour will be epic,” Greg said. “After our individual sets, we’ll both be on stage together with two pianos, recreating the famous face-to-face concerts that Elton and Billy Joel performed around the world.”
The collaboration is one Greg always enjoys.
“Anthony is a great friend. We’ve toured Australia together before and our bands get along brilliantly. We work well together both on stage and off.”
For audiences, it promises to be a spectacular finale.
“People sing every word. That’s what makes these performances so much fun.”
And at the Odyssey Festival, Greg plans to deliver exactly what audiences want – a night packed with timeless music, unforgettable memories and a celebration of two of the greatest artists in popular music history.
Sharing the lineup with the Elton John Experience are The Australian Bee Gees Show, Gold – The Ultimate ABBA Show, The Art of McCartney, and The Billy Joel Experience.
Odyssey Festival
Saturday, July 25
Maryborough Showgrounds
