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Grand piano ready for The Essential Elton John Elton John tribute performing under stage lights Alan Ryden of The Essential Elton John at the piano
  • Overview
  • Videos (3)
  • Listen (3)
  • Set list (38)
  • Reviews (12)
  • Venues (71)
  • FAQs (14)
  • Gallery (14)
  • Further Info
  • Get Quote

The Essential Elton John

Overview

A Pitch-Perfect Elton John Tribute for Parties and Corporate Events

The Essential Elton John is an outstanding tribute to one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. Alan Ryden, the man at the piano, captures Elton's voice, musicality and showmanship so convincingly that audiences can't help but sing along from the very first chord.

As music lovers ourselves, we were more than a little excited the first time we heard Alan as Elton. This isn't just a lookalike with a backing track: Alan is a superb live pianist and vocalist, and his show is a jaw-dropping celebration of five decades of hits, from the classic ballads to the rock 'n' roll floor-fillers.

Perfect for corporate events and celebrations
Alan is a firm favourite with event organisers, having performed at business awards ceremonies, charity balls, corporate dinners and milestone birthday parties right across Scotland. He reads the room brilliantly, so whether your guests are listening over dinner or packing the dance floor, he knows exactly what will get them going.

Show format
The Essential Elton John usually performs two 45-minute sets, with alternative timings available on request. Alan brings his own PA system, can arrive early to suit your schedule, and is used to working with venue sound limiters. A daytime acoustic solo performance is also available.

Make it a double bill
Alan also performs as Billy Joel. Take a look at The Essential Billy Joel, and if you'd like to book both shows for the same event, email info@hireaband.co.uk or call our tribute expert, Lisa, on 0141 413 4060.

To book The Essential Elton John, add him to your shortlist to check his availability and get an instant quote, or call the Hireaband team on 0141 413 4060.

Listen

Set list

Are You Ready for Love
Believe
Bennie and the Jets
Blue Eyes
Border Song
Can You Feel the Love Tonight
Candle in the Wind
Circle of Life
Cold Heart
Crocodile Rock
Daniel
Don't Go Breaking My Heart
Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Healing Hands
Honky Cat
I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues
I'm Still Standing
Island Girl
Kiss the Bride
Levon
Little Jeannie
Nikita
Passengers
Philadelphia Freedom
Pinball Wizard
Rocket Man
Sacrifice
Sad Songs (Say So Much)
Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting
Someone Saved My Life Tonight
Something About the Way You Look Tonight
Song for Guy
Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word
Step into Christmas
The One
Tiny Dancer
Your Song

Reviews (12)

Thanks so much to Alan for another fantastic performance! He got everyone dancing and made the party so memorable. Appreciate all the support from the Hireaband team in the lead up to the event too - you made everything super easy. Fabulous!

Rhona McCallum - Glenskirlie House - Jean & May's 70th Birthday
25th January 2026

Hi Lisa,
Now that everything’s calmed down and I’m a bit more caught up with myself, I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your help and to let you know that Elton went down an absolute STORM on Saturday night at our Disco Ball.
People are still commenting to me how good he was, and he certainly had everyone up dancing 😊

Sarah Pirie Project Coordinator - Archie's Disco Ball
23rd August 2025

Alan was fantastic, he played 3 sets with the middle one being Elton John which was fabulous. He read the crowd and knew exactly what would get everyone going. We had a mixed age range and everyone loved it. Highly recommend Alan for any party.
Thanks to the team at Hire a Band for organising everything for us.

Sharon Munro - Ladeside House, Fenwick - 60th Birthday Party
25th May 2025

Hi Lisa, Alan was Absolutely Amazing!! The guests absolutely loved The Essential Elton John. Feedback has been fantastic. 🙂
Take care and speak soon.
Sharon xx

Sharon Methven, Senioir Events Manager - DC Thomson
8th June 2023

Absolutely amazing!!

Can you please pass on my thanks to Alan; he was spot on and definitely will be using him again in the future.

Feedback so far has been fantastic.

Sharon Methven - Apex Hotel, Dundee - Courier Business Awards 2022
29th October 2022

I couldn’t believe the reaction from the guests when you came on. Non-stop dancing and singing and a very very happy crowd. You looked and sounded fab and your awesome piano playing was the icing on the cake. PS – Loved the baby grand piano!

Sharon Methven - VOWS Awards - Events Manager @ DC Thomson
18th November 2019

Excellent night and Alan was a dream to work with.

John Cox - The Deveronside - Tribute Act
19th October 2019

Awesome! Will definitely be looking out for another show soon, a real treat for Elton fans right on our doorstep!

Facebook Review

Absolutely first class! This is the nearest you'll get to the real thing, I'll definitely be back to see you!!

Facebook Review

What a fantastic show! We loved every minute. Hurry back, please!

Facebook Review

We saw your show at Dobbie Hall in Larbert recently...absolutely first class! Would recommend everybody that appreciates live, talented musicians to go and see your show! You were outstanding!

Facebook Review

What a show! Vocals, musicianship and sound were all outstanding! For all fans, this is as close as you will get to the real thing. An awesome experience!

Facebook Review

Venues

Some of Our Previous Venues

Airth Castle

Balbirnie House

Balmoral Hotel

Blythswood Square Hotel

Bothwell Bridge Hotel

Brisbane House Hotel

Burnside Hotel

Cadder Freemason Club

Cameron House

Carberry Tower

Cartland Bridge Hotel

Crichton Golf Club

Cromlix House

Crossbasket Castle

Crutherland House

Dalhousie Castle

Dalmahoy Hotel

Dalmuir Bowling Club

Dalziel Park

Doubletree Glasgow Central

Downfield Golf Club

Duck Bay Marina

Dunblane Hydro

Enterkine Country House

Fairmont Hotel

Forrester Rugby Club

Glasgow Accies Rugby Club

Glasgow Art Club

Glazert Bank Country House

Gleddoch House Hotel

Glenskirlie Castle

Hilton Glasgow

Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor

Hilton Strathclyde

Inchyra Grange Hotel

Ingliston Country Club

Keavil House

Kilmacolm Golf Club

Kincaid House

Largs Sailing Club

Loch Lomond Golf Club

Lodge on Loch Lomond

Lynnhurst Hotel

Mar Hall

Marriott Glasgow

Melville Castle

Newtonmore Golf Club

Norton House Hotel

One Devonshire Gardens

Piersland House Hotel

Prestonfield House

Radisson Blu, Glasgow

Redhurst Hotel

Royal Scots Club

Seamill Hydro

Springside Bowling Club

Stirling Court Hotel

Strathaven Golf Club

Strathaven Hotel

Strathblane Country House

Tannochside Olde Club

The Bay Hotel, Gourock

The Busby Hotel

The Caledonian Hotel

The Carlton Hotel

The Gailes Hotel

The Grand Central Hotel

The Normandy Hotel

The Scotsman Hotel

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Westerwood Golf and Spa Resort

FAQs

Does Alan really sing and play live?

Absolutely. The Essential Elton John isn't a lookalike miming to a recording. Alan Ryden sings and plays the piano live all night, capturing Elton's voice, musicianship and showmanship so convincingly that guests are singing along from the first chord.

Which Elton John songs does the show include?

Alan covers five decades of Elton's hits, from timeless ballads like Your Song, Tiny Dancer and Candle in the Wind to floor-fillers such as I'm Still Standing, Crocodile Rock, Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting and Don't Go Breaking My Heart, plus more recent favourites like Cold Heart. You'll find his full song list on this page.

Can we ask Alan to play a particular Elton song?

Of course. Let us know your favourite Elton songs when you book, or any track with special meaning for your guest of honour, and we'll pass them on to Alan. Beyond that, we'd recommend leaving the running order to him. He's played to all kinds of audiences and knows exactly when to bring out a big ballad and when it's time for Crocodile Rock.

What kind of events is The Essential Elton John best suited to?

Alan is a firm favourite with event organisers and has performed at business awards ceremonies, charity balls, corporate dinners and milestone birthday parties right across Scotland. He's equally at home providing a stylish soundtrack while guests are dining as he is turning the evening into a full-blown singalong.

How long does Alan perform for?

The Essential Elton John usually performs two 45-minute sets. If your evening runs to a different schedule, just tell us when you enquire, as alternative timings can be arranged.

How much does it cost to book The Essential Elton John?

The fee depends on your date, the location of your venue and the timings you need. The quickest way to find out is to add The Essential Elton John to your shortlist, which will check his availability and give you an instant quote. You're also welcome to call the Hireaband team on 0141 413 4060.

Does Alan bring his own sound equipment?

Yes. Alan brings his own PA system, so there's nothing for you or your venue to organise. He's also happy to arrive early to fit around your schedule, meaning he can be set up and ready before your guests sit down.

Our venue has a sound limiter. Will that be a problem?

Not at all. Alan is used to working with venue sound limiters and knows how to deliver a big-sounding show within the limits. If your venue has any noise restrictions, mention them when you book so we can make sure everything runs smoothly on the night.

Can we book Alan for a daytime event?

Yes. As well as the full evening show, Alan offers a daytime acoustic solo performance, which works beautifully for lunches, receptions and more relaxed afternoon gatherings.

Can we book The Essential Billy Joel for the same event?

You can. Alan also performs as Billy Joel, so you can treat your guests to a double bill of two of the greatest piano men in pop. To arrange both shows for one event, email info@hireaband.co.uk or call our tribute expert, Lisa, on 0141 413 4060.

Can we see Alan perform before we book?

Most of Alan's shows are private events, so it isn't always possible to watch him live beforehand. The videos on this page give a true picture of how he looks and sounds, and like every act on Hireaband, he's been seen performing live by one of our experienced agents. If he has a public show coming up, we'll gladly let you know, so just email Lisa@hireaband.co.uk.

What happens if Alan can't perform on the day?

Every booking is contracted and confirmed in writing, and our acts can only cancel because of serious illness or circumstances genuinely beyond their control. We keep in touch throughout the life of your booking, right up to the week of your event, so any issue is picked up early. In the unlikely event of a problem on the day, our emergency number, 07822 013 449, is always manned and we'll do everything we can to keep your event on track.

Should we provide food and drink for Alan?

Generally, no. Alan arrives, sets up and performs without needing anything from you. The only exception is a corporate event where he's asked to be set up more than two hours before he's due to perform. In that case, we'd ask that a hot meal and some soft drinks are provided for him.

Does Alan perform throughout Scotland?

Yes. Alan performs at hotels, clubs and event venues right across Scotland, from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Ayrshire, Fife and beyond. Wherever your event is taking place, get in touch and we'll check his availability for your date.

Further Info

Line-Up

  • Default Line Up
  • Vocals and piano

Performance Times

Booking Add-ons

  • Early Arrival
  • Daytime Entertainment Options Available
  • Daytime Acoustic Solo Performance
  • Alternative Timings Available on Request

Provided by the Act

  • PA System
  • Public Liability Insurance & PAT Tested Equipment
  • Able To Work With Sound Limiters
  • Can Perform Your First Dance

Check availability and price for The Essential Elton John

To find out if this act is available and what it would cost to hire them, please fill out the form.

To ensure the quote is as accurate as possible, remember to tell us the postcode or nearest town to your venue. Good Luck!

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