By Keith Walsh
There’s a brand new Elton John tribute coming to the United States this year. Tom’s Elton Tribute breaks from convention by presenting Elton John’s songs in a trio format, with Tom Cridland on piano and vocals, Justin Woodward on bass and backing vocals and Harry Michael on drums and backing vocals. Featuring a variety of hits and deeper cuts from John’s catalog, the ambitious tour starts in March and has slotted 114 dates so far, through August, with additional dates forthcoming. Dates are here.
As Cridland told me of the tour, “the number one aspect I am looking forward to is connecting with the American people who have such a deep and profound appreciation of Elton’s music – and who have immense knowledge of music history and the role of Dee Murray and Nigel’s role in Elton’s rise to superstardom.”
I asked Cridland how other Elton band alum fit into the picture. He explained that “of course,” Davey Johnstone, Ray Cooper and Bob Birch are all “heroes” in Elton’s history as well…”but we’re a three piece, so it’s mainly Nigel and Dee at this point.” Nigel Olsson is Elton’s John’s longstanding drummer, Cridland’s close confidante and drum inspiration.
Striving for authenticity, Cridland carefully studied the piano parts as John played them early on in his career. A clothier turned rock and roller, Cridland recently released his memoir detailing his exploits, rise to notoriety, and redemption. Titled “Million Dollar Addict,” the book is filled with shocking details about Cridland’s college years, the meeting of his wife Deborah Marx, and the formation of his fashion brand, Tom Cridland Clothing, as well as his musical career. In 2018, Cridland formed his rock band The Tomicks as drummer and vocalist, and as a solo artist has written and recorded more than 130 songs and supported legendary R and B band The Stylistics on their 2021 UK Tour.
Tom Cridland Dot Com
Tom Cridland 2023 Interview At Popular Culture Beat
Tom Cridland ‘Million Dollar Addict’ Review
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