Pop legend Sir Elton John is confirmed for Shanghai for his China debut in September.

　　The flamboyant Englishman is scheduled for solo concerts at the Shanghai Grand Stage on September 19 and 21, said Yang Yibin, deputy general manager of Shanghai Xin Xin Sports Development Co Ltd, the concert organizer.

　　"According to the information we collected from the London side, John's upcoming Shanghai concerts will serve as a prelude to a possible China tour within two years," Yang added.

　　John's repertoire, which includes such classics as "Yellow Brick Road," "Crocodile Rock," "Daniel's Song" and "Candle in the Wind" among others, hasn't been confirmed.

　　Yang said the 56-year-old star will perform at least 20 songs with most of his "mega-hits" included.

　　Ticket prices will range from 300 yuan (US$36) to 3,000 yuan, equal to what the Rolling Stones were to have charged for their Shanghai concert which was canceled last year because of the SARS crisis.

　　John, whose real name is Reg Dwight, first began recording in 1968. As testament to his popularity which has never waned, between 1970 and 1996 he charted at least one top-40 hit every year.

　　The openly gay star is well known for his huge collection of eyeglasses as well as outrageous stage costumes.

　　His latest work has been to score the musical version of "Billy Elliot," the stage play of the popular film at London's Victoria Palace Theater.