New Year's Eve gig for Sir Elton

Sir Elton has announced he will tour with Billy Joel next year

Sir Elton John will perform a New Year's Eve concert at London's O2 arena, it has been announced.

He follows in the footsteps of Take That who performed at the O2 on New Year's Eve last year.

"I can't wait to spend New Year's Eve with 17,000 of my biggest fans," Sir Elton said. It will be produced by photographer David LaChapelle.

Earlier this week, Sir Elton announced that he and singer Billy Joel would be going on tour together next year.

Broadway opening

I love touring with him and I have the greatest respect for him - we're both such good friends. Elton John on his tour with Billy Joel Billy musical opens on Broadway

He said the joint tour, beginning in March, that would last "for at least two years, on and off, all over the world".

The pair first toured together in 1994, last appearing on the road together in 2003.

Sir Elton told US TV network ABC's The View: "It's something I've looked forward to for a long time - we haven't done it for a while.

"I love touring with him and I have the greatest respect for him - we're both such good friends."

He did not reveal where the tour would open.

He was on The View to promote the musical version of the film Billy Elliot which has opened on Broadway.

Sir Elton composed the music for the show, which has already been hit in London and Sydney.