Sir Elton John’s headline appearance at this year’s Glastonbury Music Festival seems to have had a remarkable effect on sales of acoustic and digital pianos in the UK.
On Sunday 25th June 7.6 million viewers watched Sir Elton’s 2-hour performance on the BBC. And an additional 1.5 million subsequently watched using the BBC’s iPlayer catch-up service. The BBC said these figures were the biggest ever for a Glastonbury appearance.
It is reported that over 120,000 actually saw the show at the festival.
Following the event Casio UK reported a considerable surge in interest for its digital pianos and keyboard ranges.
Casio’s 26th June-3rd July sales figures were up 133% compared to last year. And the number of visitors to its musical instrument division’s website jumped 78% for the same period.
To see an icon such as Sir Elton play out his final ever UK performance at Glastonbury was a special moment, yet to see how many people tuned in and have been inspired to play the piano is even more remarkable. Sir Elton is a piano-playing legend and off the back of his performance, we’ve seen increased interest in a range of our pianos and keyboards, especially for beginners. Who knows, his Glastonbury show may have just inspired a new generation of Sir Elton Johns.
Neil Evans, Head of Casio UK’s EMI Division
Other UK piano retailers have also enjoyed increased sales following Sir Elton’s appearance. And Google searches for piano-related topics also peaked shortly after the festival.
This is the first time Sir Elton has played the iconic music festival held at Worthy Farm, Somerset, some 120 miles west of London. Glastonbury has been running since 1970, and now attracts over 200,000 visitors each year.
His extensive set, which Sir Elton has said will be his last ever in the UK, featured many of his greatest hits, and has been widely praised by all who saw it.
Sir Elton John has played Yamaha pianos for most of his career.
See also:
Yamaha’s Elton John Signature Red Piano
The Best Piano Advert Ever?
Elton John’s “Million Dollar Piano” Show
