Elton John donates his piano to BBC Radio 2

Sir Elton John has donated one of his favourite Yamaha pianos to BBC Radio 2, with the instrument set to be used in live performances by artists on the station.
The Yamaha DC 7 piano, dubbed the Elton John Radio 2 Piano, is inscribed with the artist’s signature and was also delivered to celebrate his unique contribution to the UK radio industry throughout his career.
Plans are already in place for a number of performances using the instrument, including live shows on Weekend Wogan, Radio 2 in Concert, Jamie Cullum’s weekly jazz show and Friday Night is Music Night.
The BBC also revealed that the piano will also be available to emerging and established artists who choose to play tracks from the Great British Songbook on Simon Mayo’s Drivetime Show.
Commenting, Lewis Carnie, head of programming for Radio 2 and 6 Music, said: “It’s rare that Radio 2 receives such a generous gift and we’d like to thank Elton for offering artists who visit the station the opportunity to perform on it and, hopefully, interpret Elton’s own work.”
The instrument will first be used on Weekend Wogan in December. And Elton is keen to see future artists enjoying the full range and capabilities of the instrument.
“I’m delighted to donate one of my treasured pianos to Radio 2, who have supported me so much over the past 40 years. The piano is, of course, my favourite instrument to play and I hope it inspires the musicians who play it,” he explained.
When not in use, the piano will be on display in Radio 2’s reception area in London.
Over the course of his career, which has spanned over four decades, Elton has released 30 studio albums and sold in excess of 250 million records – making him one of the most successful artists of all time.