EXCLUSIVE: Sir Elton John to play Walsall's Banks's Stadium

The concert will be held on June 13 and the star said he was looking forward to performing in the borough for the first time.

It is hoped to extend the ground's normal 11,300 capacity to around 17,000 for the event, with some seating set up on the pitch.

The approach from Sir Elton's team surprised and delighted club bosses who have been working behind the scenes for the last two months on the logistics of staging the concert.

See also: Elton concert coup is money in the Banks's

Walsall FC club chief executive Stefan Gamble said they were 'honoured' to be able to welcome a performer of his calibre and added that the show would be a ' momentous day' for the area .

It will mark a return to the West Midlands for the singer who once played at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall in 1970s and he said: "I am very much looking forward to returning to the West Midlands and playing my first show in Walsall."

The tour will feature iconic hits and classic album tracks from throughout his five-decade career, including a selection of songs from his highly acclaimed album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a deluxe edition.

His band will include original member Nigel Olsson on drums.

For more detail, see Native Monster: Elton John to play Walsall's Banks's Stadium

Sir Elton, 67, added: "My drummer, Nigel Olsson, has been with me since 1970 – he just recently celebrated his 2,000th show – and we both have such fond memories of our early shows at the clubs in the area.

"The fans there have always shown a great love for my music and my band and I can't wait to bring our show to the Banks's Stadium. I am sure we will all have a fantastic time."

Walsall's marketing manager Karen Donoghue said tickets would be priced at £40, £60 and £80, with hospitality packages including a drinks reception and meal, yet to be priced, also available.

The Express & Star is the media partner for the show.

Borough chiefs have spoken of their delight at the unexpected visit.

Council leader Sean Coughlan said: "It's a great coup for Walsall to attract a big star like Sir Elton John. I really wish the football club well in this venture.

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We do a lot of work in partnership with them and it would be good to see other celebrities come here in the wake of this.

"It's obviously going to bring lots of people into the town, using our pubs, shops and restaurants, who might not otherwise have come.

"If fans make a day of it, they can also visit our famous art gallery and newly renovated arboretum. In fact if Sir Elton wants to pop into the town hall beforehand, we'll make him feel welcome."

President of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Ninder Johal. who also runs his own record company added: "The Black Country has a long tradition of musical prowess so it's no surprise to me that a music talent such as Sir Elton John now wishes to perform in the Black Country and, in particular, Walsall Football Club.

"This is testament to the fact that we have the infrastructure to handle such a concert and how important music and culture is in the Black Country."