“Billings Books Elton John” reads the headline at BillingsGazette.com while the Duluth News Tribune proclaims, “Duluth Lands Elton John Concert.” Fact is, more than 40 years after “Your Song” introduced the world to the bespectacled popster, word that Elton John is coming to town is still big news. Nice to know there are still a few things you can count on.

New to the piano pounder’s road trip are April and May shows, beginning with Bismarck, N.D., at the Civic Center Arena April 6; Spokane, Wash., at the Spokane Arena April 8; Billings, Mont., at the Rimrock Auto Arena At MetraPark April 10; Wilkes-Barre, Penn., at the Mohegan Sun Arena At Casey Plaza April 22; Rochester, NY, at the Blue Cross Arena April 23 and Duluth, Minn., at the Duluth Ent. Conv. Ctr. Arena May 6.

To be sure, there’s more to Elton’s visits to Billings and Duluth than two more dates on the tour. Elton’s Rimrock Auto Arena show marks the first major concert for the arena since a tornado tore the roof off of the structure June 20, resulting in the building losing several large sporting events valued at more than $5 million, according to NBC affiliate KULR-TV.

But not only has RimRock been repaired, but the arena has also received several upgrades since last year’s twister, including a $6 million sound system, new restrooms and elevators. However, KULR reports that not all improvements will be ready by the time fans fill up the seats for Elton.

Elton’s May 6 Duluth show also marks a local milestone. Taking place at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center’s new Amsoil Arena, the concert represents what local officials hoped to accomplish with a larger-capacity building.

“It’s kind of a benchmark of a successful building to have Elton John come through your arena,” DECC executive Director Dan Russell told the Duluth News Tribune. “The board of directors hoped that when we opened Amsoil Arena with more seating capacity and more amenities that we’d be able to attract larger concerts, and it really doesn’t come much bigger than Elton John.”

Onsales for select dates begin this weekend. Tickets for Billings go on sale Feb. 12 and the Duluth gig goes up Feb. 14. For more information, check out EltonJohn.com.