Los Angeles, CA (February 21, 2006) — Sir Elton John's iconic Yamaha DC6APro digital acoustic 6'11" grand piano, played by Elton at a variety of special events and high visibility television appearances surrounding his hit Las Vegas show,
The Red Piano, will be up for bid on eBay to raise funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF). The charity auction will begin on Monday, February 27 and conclude on Thursday, March 9, 2006.
This fully operational, Disklavier DC6A Pro Mark III 6'11", touring piano has been played by
Elton John on several notable occasions including performances on
20/20 during an interview with Barbara Walters,
American Idol, the
2004 Radio Music Awards,
CNN's Larry King Live,
The View and during a mini-concert to promote the launch of his four-disk set,
Dream Ticket. The piano was also prominently featured in a photograph taken of Elton in the Nevada desert by famed photographer David LaChapelle for use as
The Red Piano's official publicity shot. When Elton performed to sold-out crowds in Las Vegas, the famous grand piano, which was named "Fiona" by Elton personally, was on display in the Colosseum Lobby at Caesars Palace.
Elton will play the piano for the final time at the 14th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Viewing Dinner and After-Party to celebrate the Academy Awards on March 5, 2006 in Los Angeles. After that final performance, Elton will autograph the piano in preparation for delivery to the lucky auction winner.
"The charity auction of this one-of-a-kind piano on eBay offers a unique opportunity for a fan or collector to own a major piece of music history while simultaneously raising funds to support the critical work of prevention, education and treatment of AIDS," said EJAF Director Scott Campbell.
eBay is working closely with the Elton John AIDS Foundation to ensure that 100% of the proceeds will go directly to EJAF, the international non-profit organization that provides funding for prevention education programs and direct patient care services supporting those living with HIV/AIDS.
About Elton John AIDS Foundation: Since its establishment in 1992 by Founder and Chairman Sir Elton John, the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) has raised over $80 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs in 55 countries around the globe. Today, EJAF is one of the world's leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations. EJAF focuses on supporting community-based prevention education programs, harm reduction programs, and direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially populations with special needs. These efforts include HIV/AIDS-related physical and mental health services, HIV testing and counseling, street outreach and education, food distribution, assisted living services, social service coordination, and community volunteer recruitment and support.
About Yamaha: Yamaha Corporation of America manufactures a complete line of musical instruments, professional audio products, customer-driven support products and computer-based products targeted to both the amateur and professional markets. For more information on the Elton John Limited Edition Signature Series Red Piano, please visit
www.yamaha.com/red_piano.
For more information and a direct link to the piano auction please visit
www.ebay.com/ejaf.
