DAVID LACHAPELLE FOR ELTON JOHN, CIRCA 2003

The present lot was created by David LaChapelle as a set piece for Elton John's concert residency 'The Red Piano' at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, which ran from 2004 to 2009. Originally slated to present 75 shows over the course of three years, 'The Red Piano' ended up lasting for six years and presenting nearly 250 shows in the United States, as well as an offshoot tour in Europe. In Las Vegas alone, 'The Red Piano' series attracted just under a million viewers and garnered almost $170,000,000 in revenue.

David LaChapelle is a photographer and director of music videos and films whose work deals with fashion, sexuality, humor, and contemporary culture. His photography career took off when he was hired at 17 years old by Andy Warhol to work for Interview magazine. LaChapelle produced a number of music videos for Elton John between 2001 and 2006 and produced the scenography for 'The Red Piano' residency. The stage design includes racy polychrome neon signs surrounding Elton John and the musicians, with provocative videos by LaChapelle playing on large screens in the background. Please see sale 22489 lot 601 for another example of a neon sign from 'The Red Piano.'