Elton John fan learned piano in lockdown and now gigs round world
An Elton John superfan who started playing his girlfriend’s keyboard during lockdown has revealed he’s found a new career – performing Elton’s music around the world.
Tom Cridland, 32, tried to pick out a tune on girlfriend Deb Marx’s keyboard after they were locked down together in 2020.
And after deciding he wanted to tour just like Elton, he cheekily decided to phone round gig venues and book himself to perform.
Three years on, he’s just played gigs in every state in the USA and across the UK – and has raked in more than £100,000 in ticket sales.
Tom, from Bristol, even managed to bag himself an invite to Elton’s Oscars party after becoming friendly with the superstar’s drummer, Nigel Olsson.
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Tom perfected his skills during lockdown (Tom Cridland)He said: “We had a keyboard in the house as Deb played when she was younger.
“I’d never really been able to play at all, but I was a big fan of Elton and had always loved his music.
“I’m the kind of person who loves a challenge, so I ordered myself a music book and decided I’d learn how to play.
“I’ve always had a bit of an addictive personality, but I swapped habits of going out drinking and partying for nights sitting at the piano.”
The 32-year-old has performed around the world (Tom Cridland)After perfecting ‘I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues’, Tom spent hundreds of hours working his way through the book – and realised he loved performing.
“I started to think how much fun it would be to actually be Elton and perform for a crowd,” he said. “And when the world opened up again, I just became determined to do it.
“I just started phoning round venues and seeing if they would give me a slot on open mic nights – I figured if you don’t ask, you don’t get – and to my amazement, I managed to get some to say yes.
“It started off with just a few people, tiny venues, but then I started to get venues that held a hundred or so people and were charging for tickets.
He has played to 10,000 people as his idol (Tom Cridland)“I’m lucky that I can do my day job from anywhere in the world, so I just went over to America and worked from there so I could gig at night.
“People were really kind and said they loved my performance.
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“I had to pinch myself, I couldn’t believe this was real!”
After managing to book venues in the UK, Tom decided he wanted to tour the US – so started booking himself in for open mic nights in America.
Tom at the piano during one of his performances (Tom Cridland)Before long, he was able to book small venues – and has now toured every state, including a gig to 1,500 people at the McKelligon Canyon in Texas.
He’s now performed for more than 10,000 people.
Chancer Tom, who also owns a clothing company, decided to try to reach out to Elton’s drummer Nigel Olsson and offer to make him some clothes.
To his amazement, Nigel got in touch with Tom – who he now considers him a close friend.
Tom with his girlfriend Deb Marx (Tom Cridland)“I was so starstruck when I first met Nigel, I could barely get a word out.
“But now, he’s like family. He agreed to let me send him some clothes, but we got on so well, he kept in touch, and has been really helpful, giving me hints and tips of performance.
“I find it really incredible that people want to watch me perform his music.
“I really am living the dream – and living proof that even if something seems impossible, it’s worth giving it a go!”
Tom has written a book about his experiences. Million Dollar Addict is out now.
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