Staff at a troubled retailer are hoping a rocket man will boost their recovery.
Elton John is among the A-List artists being lined up to perform in branches of HMV across the country in a bid to save the struggling firm’s remaining outlets.
The news came as branches of the world-famous brand in Sussex won a further reprieve.
Administrator Deloitte has confirmed that a further 37 of the group’s stores will close their doors for good.
But the outlets in Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne, Horsham and Crawley will remain open while a buyer is sought for the company.
Ryan Grimond, the store manager at the flagship property in Churchill Square, Brighton, said: “It would be fantastic if Elton played here. We are all waiting with excitement to hear his plans.”
Elton John’s manager said: “Elton has always been a big supporter of record shops. He will be doing something with HMV although as yet we cannot confirm what or when that would be."
Deloitte has shut the HMV website but it has struck a deal with film studios and music labels to ensure that new releases such as Skyfall and Madagascar 3 can be supplied to the group’s stores until its future is decided.
The future of the retailer is in the hands of Hilco, a specialist investor in distressed retail groups.
It emerged as the most likely owner of the brand in the UK after it acquired secured debts from Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group and others. It snapped up HMV’s Canadian business in 2011.
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