Shire turn on cheek for Elton

Jul 8 2008 by Andrew Welsh

BOLD rugby players hope they can convince Elton John to return to Perth after forging a bond with the superstar.

Perthshire star Andy Elder told the PA that gifting copies of the club’s ‘cheeky’ calendar to the music legend was designed to make him feel at home in the Fair City.

Players made a name for themselves after baring all for racy shots taken at a series of Perth landmarks.

“Andy Cummins, the club’s development officer, wrote a letter addressed to Elton with 2004 and 2008 calendars attached,” scrum-half Elder explained yesterday. “We knew it was going to be a bit of a flying visit and we wanted to welcome him to Perth.

“The ’04 calendar was entitled, ‘The Sights of Perth’. Basically, we wanted to show Elton the sights. He can have this year’s hanging up on his wall.”

Andy (25) said he was one of many Shire players and supporters at Sunday night’s gig and described the singer’s praise for the club at the end of his show as “a bit of a shock”.

“We’re hoping he’ll come along to a game but we’ve not heard back yet,” said the recruitment consultant. “I think Andy left an address if he wants to book a future calendar.

“I wouldn’t have said he’s overly interested in rugby but hopefully we’ll convert him from the beautiful game to the better game!”

Meanwhile, according to tourism bosses, hotels in Perth enjoyed a boom weekend as a result of the big gig.

Visitscotland spokesman James Lakie said the concert’s spin-off benefits had been “very positive” for the tourist sector.

“Perth itself was fairly booked out,” he said. “Only a few rooms remained on Friday and anyone looking for a place at the weekend would’ve found it difficult.

“It goes to show Perth is able to handle big events and will stand it in good stead for attracting more artists in future.

“Hopefully we will be able to regularly attract events of this status and stature.

“Elton John brings a massive amount of prestige and the show will have gone a long way towards highlighting McDiarmid Park as a concert destination.

“That can only be a good thing for Perth.”