Sir Elton John is being lined up for a number of in-store gigs at HMV to help the flagging company.

The iconic music retailer was placed into administration earlier this year after failing to secure funding to pay off its debts.

66 stores have been closed around the UK so far in an effort to cut costs as the company's future is examined.

However, it seems Britain's music elite are ready to help the struggling company. Chief Executive of Universal UK David Joseph confirmed to the Guardian that Elton John is planning to perform gigs in HMV stores to promote the retailer. He said:

"We've got lot of artist support for HMV. Last week one of our biggest global superstars said why don't we get a lot of the biggest artists to start doing gigs in HMV, just to turn up and say these are music stores, come and get your music here."

John's spokesman confirmed plans were afoot to team up with HMV, suggesting something "intimate". He 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."