Elton And Billy: The Piano Duel Continues

A few dates are trickling in for what is expected to be another major trek of the popular Elton John / Billy Joel “Face 2 Face” tour, where they, you know, sit at their pianos and play face-to-face.

The first three dates have been announced at EltonJohn.com. The duo plays Jacksonville March 2, Cincinnati March 10 and Atlanta March 14. The dates go on public sale Dec. 6.

There’s also an allotment of tickets for the superfans set up at the concerts and ticket page at Elton’s Web site, but it’s not clear when those are up for grabs.

Photo: Michael Weintrob

Elton John and Billy Joel rule the Pepsi Center in Denver.

However, all signs point to Elton and Billy being on the road for quite some time. They’re expected to be in the U.S. in May and “later” in 2009 and will spread the good word Stateside and abroad in 2010 as well.

Elton and Joel open the concerts with duets, playing twin pianos and trading vocals. Then each performs with his own band. They rejoin at the end for a grand finale and closing encore.

“I love touring with Billy,” Elton said in a statement. “I have the greatest respect for him and we’re such good friends.”

Joel added that the union helps him keep up his keyboard chops because Elton’s such a phenomenal player.

Plus, “I’ve got the best seat in the house.”