Dairy farmer and Elton John tribute act prepares for UK tour
Richard Reeves, a dairy farmer who also performs as an Elton John tribute act, is preparing for a UK tour to supplement his farm income.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
A dairy farmer from North Somerset who also performs as an Elton John tribute act is preparing for a UK tour to help supplement his farm income. Richard Reeves, known on stage as Captain Fantastic, is a tenant farmer who says he is limited in how he can diversify his business. He launched the tribute show as a sideline to his music career, hoping to eventually buy his own farm.
Reeves has been a fan of Elton John since he was 14, when he met the singer backstage at a concert. He now performs with a six-piece band, wearing multiple sequined outfits, and says his favourite song is 'Rocketman'. He also sings to his cows in the milking parlour, which he says helps his mental health by giving him a break from farm work.
The tour begins on 14 September at the Liverpool Philharmonic and will visit cities including Glasgow, London, and Birmingham Symphony Hall. Reeves said audiences can expect a two-hour performance. He has arranged for others to look after his cows while he is on the road.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Channel 5 |
|---|---|
| A tenant farmer named Richard Reeves has limited ways to generate extra income. | |
| Richard Reeves met Elton John backstage at a concert when he was 14. | |
| Richard Reeves sings Elton John songs to his cows in the milking parlour. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The channel focused on the human interest and entertainment angle, with a lighthearted tone. The presenter engaged in banter about the costume and the heatwave, and highlighted the contrast between farming and performing. The segment also touched on the farmer's mental health benefits from performing and included a clip of him singing.
- “I was a tenant farmer in North Somerset. Still actively working on farms also, but farming has always been a challenge, and it's even more challenging now than it ever has been.”
- “It's nice to go and do something completely different and get away from the farm and just go and do something completely different and clear my head and come back with a friend.”
- “Expect a good two hour performance of myself with my six piece band.”
Broadcast Timeline
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