Billy Joel, Elton John tickets selling briskly

By Ray Waddell

NASHVILLE (Billboard) - In a positive sign for the 2009 touring season, sales for the upcoming Billy Joel/Elton John looks to be a smash, according to the promoter.

The tour begins March 2 in Jacksonville, Fla., with tickets ranging from $49.50-$175. Joel and John will play in the center, significantly boosting capacity.

The tour will also play Tampa (March 5), Charlotte (7), Cincinnati (10), Atlanta (14), Tulsa, Okla. (17), Houston (19), San Antonio (21), Phoenix 26, and Anaheim (28, 30).

Live Nation is promoting most of the shows, and AEG Live will promote in Anaheim, which has almost sold out the second show at the southern California arena.

Before the trek, Joel is set for a six-show run at the Seminole Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla., spread out between January 2 and February 8. John has international shows on tap through late January, to be followed by a two-week engagement with his Red Piano show at Las Vegas' Caesars Palace.

Reuters/Billboard