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Yunupingu scores Sir Elton support

BEN LANGFORD

18 April 2008 - GEOFFREY Gurrumul Yunupingu's path to stardom will take a giant leap when he supports Elton John at his Darwin concert.

The Territory singer-songwriter has been chosen as a local support act for Sir Elton's May 17 concert.

As many as 15,000 people may see Yunupingu sing before at TIO Stadium at Marrara, where he has been elevated to the main support spot -- playing just before Sir Elton and after Melbourne singer Eran James.

And Yunupingu is a good chance to perform with Sir Elton when the tour moves to Sydney after the swing through the Territory.

Being chosen for the Elton John show is the latest triumph up for the sweet-voiced singer from Elcho Island, whose debut album Gurrumul hit No.5 on the national iTunes music charts last week.

Gurrumul also knocked John Butler Trio out of No.1 on the iTunes Roots music chart and has stayed there for three weeks.

Blind since birth, Yunupingu, 37, has also been a leading light in top Territory bands Yothu Yindi and Saltwater Band.
He will play with bassist and regular collaborator Michael Hohnen at the Elton John concert.

The big crowds and dignitaries should not worry the Territory's burgeoning young superstar -- he has already played for The Queen and travelled the world with Yothu Yindi.

Chief Minister Paul Henderson revealed the NT Government has contributed $60,000 plus in-kind support to secure the Elton John concert for the Top End.

Source: NT News

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