Paul Bacon performs as Sir Elton John in Taunton

He not only looks, but sounds exactly like his idol.

This spitting image tribute of Elton John is coming to the Tacchi Morris Arts Centre in Taunton on May 17.

So we caught up with Paul, ahead of this exciting show.

Paul was into music from a young age – as a child he used to play the drums. In the 1980s, he studied a Performing Arts Degree.

Since then he has enjoyed his time as an Elton John tribute, singing songs such as Rocket Man and Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.

Why Elton John? 

Paul said: “I have always been an Elton John fan, I used to dress up as him when I was younger and sing his songs.

“I grew up listening to his music - he was my favourite artist when I was younger.

“I used to collect all Elton John’s records and my favourite album was Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, so I love the songs on there.”

Pauls favourite Elton John song is Someone Saved My Life Tonight, however his favourite song to sing has to be Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.

Best career moments

Paul as Elton received the ultimate accolade recently when he was asked to perform with his band at the 90th birthday celebrations of Elton John’s very own mother - Sheila Fairbrother.

Among the guests which included close friends, relatives and celebrities was Kiki Dee who sang the classic Don’t Go Breaking My Heart with Paul and the band.

Paul added: “One of my favourite moments has been meeting and performing for Shelia (Elton’s mum). I had met her before and got to know her - she’s really lovely.”

Another one of Paul’s highlights was performing at Wembley before a big Rugby match.

He said: “It ended up being a huge crowd as everyone came in before the start of the match.”

Ultimate Elton and The Rocket Band are now in demand at festivals and theatres throughout the UK and beyond.

They are one of the top tribute acts working on the circuit today and this has recently been recognized at the recent National Tribute Awards, run by the influential ‘The Agents Association’ of Great Britain, who awarded the band Official UK No 1 for their performances.

Meeting his idol 

Paul believes that he portrays an accurate representation of Elton, now he has learnt a lot of characteristics.

Paul said: “I have always been a fan and seen him perform live and I have picked up a lot of the ways and mannerisms.

“I think acting does have a lot to do with it – it definitely helps when I put on a costume and get into the character.”

Yet, not only has Paul seen Elton live – he has also met him in person too.

He added: “I also met Elton about six years ago. I went to see him in concert with someone who used to work with Elton and we managed to go backstage. It was quite a short meeting – only ten minutes or so.

“I was wearing on of Elton suits and he commented on it, but I didn’t tell him what I did! I didn’t know if he would find it weird. We just chatted about him and his son really.”

Performing in Somerset 

Paul is now looking forward to his upcoming performance in Taunton at The Tacchi Morris Arts Centre.

He explained: “I have performed in Somerset, but it is my first visit to the Tacchi Morris. We are hoping for a good crowd.

“We will play all the songs people want to hear of course and maybe add a few surprises too.

“We perform all over the country and it’s nice to do festivals and so on. We have a pretty full diary this year. We want to continue with theatre shows and are putting together another theatre tour for next year.

“I certainly love performing. It is so much fun with an audience who appreciates Elton’s music and give feedback.

“So many of the songs are so well known so it’s great when people join in.”

Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band comes to Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre in Taunton on May 17 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are available from their Box Office, the Taunton Visitor Centre or online at tacchi-morris.com.