Elton John to perform at gala honouring Jay Marciano

Elton John is set to headline a fundraising gala in Los Angeles for City of Hope, the largest cancer research and treatment organisation in the US.

The 51st edition of the Spirit of Life gala will take place at the historic Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, with appearances from magician David Blaine, chef Evan Funke, and comedian Fred Armisen.

Jay Marciano, chairman and CEO of AEG Presents, will be presented with City of Hope’s prestigious Spirit of Life Award for his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts.

Under Marciano’s leadership, AEG Presents produced John’s swansong tour Farewell Yellow Brick Road among others and is currently in the midst of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour.

“I am honoured to be receiving The Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope and to be able to contribute to raising awareness and funds to speed its important work of eradicating cancer and improving lives for so many,” says Marciano.

“I am humbled and grateful that Elton John has agreed to lend his immeasurable talents to this event”

“I am also humbled and grateful that Elton John, a true superstar in every regard, has agreed to lend his immeasurable talents to this event with a performance that’s sure to inspire support for a cause that unfortunately touches so many lives. And if that weren’t enough, having David Blaine, Evan Funke, and Fred Armisen contribute to such an extraordinary evening is beyond my wildest dreams,” Marciano added.

John’s historic, final tour comprised 330 shows worldwide to over 6.25 million fans across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia. The US leg of the tour concluded with three sell-out shows at Dodger Stadium. He later headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in June 2023, the final UK show before the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour concluded in July 2023, marking the end of more than 50 years on the road.

“Jay is more than a colleague; he is a dear friend,” says John. “It is my pleasure to lend my support to him as he receives the Spirit of Life honour, especially given City of Hope’s dignity-giving supportive care for people who face cancer, along with its unmatched research for other life-threatening illnesses. Their important work has led to advancements in the field that have fortunately enabled so many people to live beautiful, long lives. Everyone should have that opportunity, and I’m honoured to play a part in City of Hope’s work towards that goal.”

The Spirit of Life gala is organised by the City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry Group which has raised over $150 million for its research and care programmes over 50 years.

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