Elton John's long-time tour manager reveals what goes into bringing his show to NZ

Let's face it, Elton John, one of the biggest stars in the world, now he’s in New Zealand. 

He’s already performed live to a sold-out crowd in Christchurch and two more this weekend in Auckland, but what does it take to actually bring the man here? How hard is it? 

The Hits Drive with Brad and Laura caught up with Elton’s long-time tour manager DC Parmet, to hear everything that goes into putting on his concerts.

"Ohhh my gosh, we are chartering a 747 for air cargo to bring stuff over from Australia to New Zealand and on top of that we have a whole fleet of sea containers headed your way with other gear in it,” DC tells Brad, noting that on top of their are around 100 people in their team, as well as around 130 to 150 local stagehands.

“We put a lot of folks to work and it takes an army to bring to bring the show to you,” DC says.

“[Elton] has about five or six different pianos, and each piano has a name. From Nikita to Aretha, to Diana. 

“And actually we have a spare piano with us, just in case, because it's not like you can go to your local Yamaha dealer and get a 9 foot black grand piano at the snap of a finger.”

Over his 25-year long career DC notes that he has gotten close with many of the artists he’s worked with, including Elton. However, he always finds it important to keep things professional.

“You always have to remember that you're not there to be their friends,” DC explains. “You are there to provide a service and to make sure that their needs are met so all they have to do is concentrate on performing. 

“That doesn't mean Elton and I aren't friendly. You know, we exchange Birthday presents and greeting cards and things like that.”

“But you never forget that whose name is on the marquee.”

Listen to DC Parmet’s full interview with Brad above.