Elton John to be paid $5.2m to perform for Russian businesswoman

Elton John has been offered $5.2m to perform an hour-long gig for a Russian businesswoman.

The 'Rocket Man' hitmaker, 61, would earn $1522 a second if he agrees to sing at the launch of the tycoon's plush Moscow hotel.

A source said: "Initially Elton turned her down because he’s so busy.

"But when the offer crossed the $4million barrier it was too much to refuse, even for someone of his means. And let’s be honest, $5.2million buys a hell of a lot of flowers.

"He’s on the verge of saying yes."

Elton, who was paid $3m or a private gig in 2001, would be flown to the autumn launch by private jet.

A team of security guards would escort him to the hotel in the posh Rublyovka district

He would play classics, thought likely to include Daniel and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, before jetting back home.

He's not he only music mega star to receive such a large fee for a single performance. In 2006, George Michael was paid $3m by a Russian billionaire for performing at a New Year’s Eve event; and aging rockers The Rolling Stones were paid $7m for a one-hour gig at a Texas tycoon’s 60th birthday bash in 2002.

Elton's fee would be the record paid for a single artist for a gig.

His rep declined to comment