SINGER Elio Pace and his band have received standing ovations every night during The Billy Joel Songbook Tour so far.

And people who want to see the 1988 Bob Says Opportunity Knocks finalist perform Billy Joel hits including Uptown Girl, My Life and Just The Way You Are can catch him at Swindon Arts Centre on June 25.

The 72-date tour is the first ever British and Irish tour of a Billy Joel theatre show, and Elio said it has been going down a storm so far.

“It’s something I have wanted to do for about 30 years. It’s not a tribute show, it’s a tribute to Billy Joel,” he said.

“I’m not going out as Billy Joel and trying to talk or be like him. This is Elio Pace in his own right. I am a singer song writer and I just love Billy Joel music so much.

“I find it so inspiring and eclectic. This is an artist that never stayed still, he never just locked into one style of writing and went with it because it was selling.

“He is such an incredible musician that he always wanted to push himself further.”

The show features 38 Billy Joel songs, which covers all of his hits including some of the songs Billy doesn’t perform live anymore.

“It’s not a life story, it’s just an incredible celebration of Billy Joel music,” said Elio.

“The audience love all these songs and everybody has a special life story attached to a Billy Joel song.

“The show goes down a storm and we have had standing ovations at every single one.”

The performance is at 8pm. For tickets, which are £18, visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk or call 01793 524481. – EMMA DUNN