BENGALURU: While the rest of us aspire to look and be like our idols, Paul Bacon has had it easier. The 56-year-old from Seer Green village, about 30 miles west of London looks and sounds like Sir Elton John. If you have ever heard or seen him, you would have mistaken him for the Rocket Man himself. Paul is known in the UK for his acts’ uncanny resemblance to classic hit performances by the international music star. His act Ultimate Elton and The Rocket Band has got him widely popular and have brought in recognition as the foremost Elton John tribute band in the UK.
In conversation with City Express, the performing arts graduate from Kent University talks about his fascination with Elton and fondness to the star’s mother Sheila.
When did you realise that you look like Elton?
I have always had a resemblance to Elton. I became a fan of his in the 1970’s, but it wasn’t until I began performing as him in the 1980’s that people commented on the likeness.
How and when did you start Ultimate Elton John and the Rocket Band?
When I began performing professionally in 2009 I created the name Ultimate Elton. Soon after that I put a band together and called them the Rocket Band.
When did you start dressing up as Elton John during performances? How did that happen?
In the 1980’s Elton had a certain look that I copied. However, one of the great things about my job is that Elton has had so many different styles of dress during his amazing career that I can choose from a variety of different styles.
Elton John’s mum, Sheila Farebrother, invited you to play at her 90th birthday celebrations. How did that feel?
It was certainly a privilege and an honour to play at Sheila’s 90th birthday party. We were obviously very nervous, but she is such a lovely lady that she made us feel very welcome. It was a wonderful evening.
While Sheila isn’t on talking terms with her son, she is friends with you. How does it feeling being more closer to your idol’s mum that Elton himself?
I can’t comment on Elton’s relationship with his mother, but it’s lovely that Sheila keeps in touch with us and takes an interest in what we are doing. She was very interested to hear that we are coming to India!
When did you take to listening to Elton?
I first became aware of Elton’s music in about 1973 when I heard the album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. I was so amazed by that record that I wanted to discover all the music that he had made before that, and of course I have kept up with all his albums ever since.
What is it about Elton’s music and the person he was that fascinates you?
It’s very difficult to explain why a particular artist moves you. Elton is of course an incredible songwriter, great musician, wonderful singer and amazing performer, yet he also has that indefinable quality that very few artists possess.
What is it about India that has surprised you so far?
We arrive in India on the 6th April, so I will let you know! Having said that, we can’t wait to experience everything that India has to offer.
Ultimate Elton and The Rocket Band will be performing at two venues in Bengaluru. On April 7 they are performing at Chowdiah Memorial Hall and on April 8 at the MLR Convention Centre, Whitefield. Tickets are priced between `500 and `3,500.