ELTON John has proved to be more than a vocal champion for Sydney dance pop duo PNAU, signing the band to the London management company which oversees the superstar.
Sir Elton hasn't been able to stop singing PNAU's praises since actress Toni Collette - who shares an Australian agent with the band - suggested he check them out while on tour here last December.
He bought dozens of copies of their self-titled third album and has since kept in close contact, reports the Daily Telegraph's Kathy McCabe.
Back home briefly for the Splendour In The Grass festival this weekend and their own tour next week, Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes said Sir Elton wasn't personally managing their affairs but has been an invaluable adviser.
"We talk more about art than business and hopefully introducing us to that part of London, artists like Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Sam Taylor-Wood," Littlemore said.�
But before they take the London art and music worlds by storm, there have been plenty of home-cooked meals - by Sir Elton's personal chef - and morale-boosting as PNAU start from scratch in a town renowned for sledging Antipodeans with aspirations.
"The first time he called me, the only thing I wanted him to do was play some piano for us and he still hasn't!" Littlemore said.
"His tenacity is something we admire because it's something we have had from day one, always trying to do something new.
"And when we're worried about money and how much it is going to cost to record there, he reminds us we'll be able to use the studio he is building there."
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