ROCKETMAN - Das Elton John Biopical - Wien - 2027

Wiener Stadthalle - Halle F, Wien

Just in time for Sir Elton John’s 80th birthday on March 25, 2027, a new stage show, “Rocket Man – The Elton John Biopic,” will have its world premiere in Cologne and then embark on a major tour of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland starting in May.

Reginald Kenneth Dwight was born on March 25, 1947, in the London suburb of Pinner and, by the early 1970s at the latest, had become one of the most dazzling figures in the pop music industry. With more than 300 million records sold, the British singer, pianist, and composer ranks among the top five artists with the best-selling records worldwide. Elton John is also one of the few artists to have won every major award in the American entertainment industry—including several Grammys (the first in 1987 for the song “That’s What Friends Are For”), two Oscars (the first in 1995 for the song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”), a Tony Award (in 2000 for the musical “Aida”), and an Emmy (in 2024 for the concert special “Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium”).

His repertoire ranges from ballads to rock and rock ’n’ roll songs to gospel-style blues—and boogie numbers. He enjoyed his first successes in the 1960s; his breakthrough came in 1970 with the album “Elton John,” whose song “Your Song” became a global hit.

The two-hour musical tribute “Rocket Man – The Elton John Biopic” by award-winning producer Oliver Forster (including “FALCO – The Musical,” “That’s Life – The Sinatra Musical,” and “Beat It! – The Hit Show About the King of Pop!”) impressively combines biographical drama with spectacular concert moments.

“Flashy outfits, an unmistakable voice, and above all, his piano: Hardly any artist has shaped pop history as much as Sir Elton John. To mark the 80th birthday of this exceptional British artist, we’re bringing his extraordinary life story—and above all, his musical legacy—back to the stage once again. Live, colorful, emotional, and, of course, the show is packed with the greatest hits of this inimitable singer, performed by a magnificent lead actor, a five-piece live band, and a first-class ensemble,” says producer Oliver Forster.

From the shy Reginald Dwight’s first steps at the piano to his dazzling international career as Elton John and, ultimately, his rise to become one of the greatest and most influential pop stars of all time. Landmark moments—such as the legendary performance at the Troubadour, the joint appearance with John Lennon at Madison Square Garden, the legendary concerts at Dodger Stadium, and Live Aid—come to life, as do the personal highs and lows behind the fame. The show features global hits like “Rocket Man,” “Your Song,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Candle in the Wind,” and “I’m Still Standing”—performed live by a top-notch rock band.

“Rocket Man” is far more than a tribute show—it is a deeply moving and rousing homage to one of the greatest icons in music history. Elaborate projections, authentic costumes, and a rousing concert atmosphere bring Elton John’s world to life, coming together to create an extraordinary stage show.

But behind the glitz, glamour, and global hits lies, above all, the story of a man: a moving journey between self-discovery and self-doubt, between fame, a deep fall, and the courageous path back to life. A special place is reserved for his legendary musical partnership with Bernie Taupin, which produced numerous songs that continue to shape generations to this day.

Two men, two rooms—and an extraordinary partnership

Elton John’s story is inextricably linked to Bernie Taupin. What began in 1967 with an unusual encounter evolved into one of the most successful songwriting partnerships in music history: Taupin wrote the lyrics, Elton John composed the music—often working separately. From these two creative worlds emerged songs that ultimately reached millions of people and filled entire concert arenas. “Rocket Man” brings this extraordinary creative process to life, as well as the personal journey behind the stage persona, and shows how quiet moments at the piano could evolve into a global spectacle. Dodger Stadium serves as a special connecting thread: In 1975, Elton John performed some of his most legendary concerts there in front of tens of thousands of people; in 2022, he returned to the same venue for his farewell concerts—nearly five decades of music history spanning those two performances.

On the stage icon and the timeless power of his music

Elton John is one of the few artists whose music has long transcended individual eras and generations. His songs have become evergreens, and his melodies have become integral parts of international pop culture. The musician moved effortlessly between rock, rock ’n’ roll, pop, blues, and gospel, developing an unmistakable musical style over the decades. Elton John once succinctly summed up his own passion for music: “I live, eat, sleep, breathe music.”

It is precisely this extraordinary musical energy that lies at the heart of “Rocket Man.” The production aims not only to commemorate the great successes of a global superstar but also to convey why his music continues to have such a powerful impact to this day. Elton John’s work bridges generations and achieves something that few artists can: songs that emerge from their time yet remain timeless. “Rocket Man” turns this enduring fascination into a shared experience and invites the audience not only to listen to Elton John’s music but to rediscover it together.