The October 20 and 21 shows will mark Sir Elton’s 50th and 51st shows at the venerable New York City arena, and will be recorded for a live album and TV special.

Billed as The Greatest Hits – Live, John will perform with his band (Davey Johnstone, Guy Babylon, Bob Birch, Nigel Olsson, John Jorgenson, Curt Bisquera and John Mahon) and is expected to trot out a few special guests.

Tickets go on sale August 21 at traditional outlets as well as John’s Web site, where ticket-buying members will receive a free CD that’s unavailable to the general public.

The Garden shows with the full band mark a departure for John, who has been touring solo for most of the last year.