Fan report by Jack Suslak.

This show was originally supposed to be just a Peachtree Road Tour show, but in early August 2005 we found out that these shows in Boston and New York would have Elton perform the entire Captain Fantastic album for first time in 30 years, (least we thought he would do it all). So after that this show became a highly anticipated show by everyone going and Elton fans everywhere. As you will find out later this would be a night that would be awesome in many ways.

Pre Show Activities
I left Swampscott at 5.14 pm on a train into Boston's North Station, same place where the Garden is, and I got into the complex at 5.45 pm. I first went to the ticket window to inquire about ticket for McCartney's show coming in 10 days at the same venue, but no luck sold out. Then I stepped outside heading towards Causeway St when I ran into my buddy Kevin Caples, who was heading towards the train platforms waiting the arrival of Dick Georgeou. We had a little gathering setup of our Elton circle at McGann's on Portland St in Boston near the Garden. I arrived and saw Patty, Sandy, Debbie and her Husband Michael, Sharon from Chicago, Kevin from Minneapolis, Bob from Chicago, and Ann Lawrence came later, and of course the lyric master Kevin Caples was there. Also Dick found his way over to the bar. We all had a nice time talking about all the anticipation for tonight's show. As a nice little bonus the local station WROR 105.7 was broadcasting from McGann's and they were giving away tickets to tonight's show by raffle, and having trivia contests where if you answer 2 or 3 questions correctly about EJ you could win the new Captain Deluxe Edition CD. Naturally I entered the trivia contest but when I got up there they only gave me one question and I only got a t-shirt, and no chance to win the new CD, but I guess that's the breaks. I brought with me the liner of CF just to have lyrics with me during the show, but when I found out Dick and Kevin had 5th row seats, I decided to give the liners to them, in hopes someone could sign it during the show, we'll find out later how that went. So after 7.15 ish we all went our separate ways to go our seats for the show.

Merchandise
I for one was anxious to see if they would have anything special on sale for these CF tribute shows. But disappointingly they didn't have a special program, just the PTR one, No CF DE CD, rather they sold PTR and Greatest Hits 70-02, and Dream Ticket. They did have one shirt for $35 which has the cover of the album on a black shirt and on the back it said Captain Fantastic- From the End of the World to Your Town. Interestingly they listed some venues on the back as well. In addition to the Boston and New York dates we already know about the shirt has Phillips Arena in Atlanta and the Gaylord Ctr in Nashville. Maybe they will be able to hear the Captain songs live as well.

The crowd seemed like it was a late arriving crowd and with the poor weather and always infamous Boston traffic I'm sure some people were late, but once the lights went down place got filled, and it looked to be a sold out venue pretty much.

Also A few minutes before show started we could hear a cheer rising up in the front row area, which meant someone famous was arriving, in this case it was New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a big fan of EJ, and so is EJ of him.

Showtime
Act 1- Peachtree Road Live
Before I start the song review I need to give the obligatory Elton wardrobe mention. He looked really good, but I hate this recent look, we need to get him back in Versace. He was wearing a black suit/robe with flowers adorned on it with a white shirt under. EJ looked really fit, but the fashion needs a change.

Stage 8.05 pm choir came out with band

1. Weight of the World - I like the wind and lightning effects that open up this song, at first I thought it was Funeral, but that came later. Elton sounded fine on this opener, and the choir added a nice touch. A great song to open the show even after this tour.

"Good Evening Boston... This is going to be a really long and special show tonight. I am going to start off with some songs from Peachtree Road then play some from Captain Fantastic"

2. Porch Swing on Tupelo - Really strong vocals on this hot gospel number where the choir really shines on. A definite early highlight obviously first of many on this night in the Garden. On the LED screens in Red showed the word Elton.

3. Answer in the Sky - A song that I really now enjoy live, especially with the guitar by Davey here. Choir also is prominent on this one. Sweet version with strong singing by all. Also the screens had a RR sign in Blue.

"All sorts of music has influenced me and Bernie over the years, we have done some country with Country Comfort on Tumbleweed Connection and Dixie Lilly on Caribou. This song will probably be our next single."

4. Turn out the Lights When You Leave - EJ going Country on this song and the sound clearly fits him. Rich voice and a pretty piano solo played on this tune. Great song really liked it. "I had 16 years of Drugs and Booze, and it was fun too, but can't have a steady relationship with that involved. I got sober and found David and we are happy together and I dedicate this song to him"

5. My Elusive Drug - Really cool, great drums and percussion. Elton especially soulful here, choir nice as well. Brilliant version of this great song here.

6. The Call Her the Cat - Obviously a fun live song here, and they really delivered on this one last night. Cool images on the screen. Nice piano licks too, and the choir filled in the meows fine and the song just simply just rocked, and crowd liked it to. just simply EJ start doing more rockers in albums to do them live

"We wrote this song for those 95% of us that aren't perfect or what some call freaks, and for those 5% percent who are perfect, my room number is..." to laughter

7. Freaks in Love - Sounded better to me than hearing it at Radio City last night, but basically the same to me w/o the orchestra. Good Guitar solo by DJ, and a nice vocal ending on the song.

8. All That I'm Allowed - 2nd gospel song of the night, Sounds better live these days, really strong singing here tonight, and a nice little bit at the end too. They were playing the video on the vid screens, while there were fireworks on the LED one.

Act 2- Captain Fantastic Live 8.45 pm
"30 years ago this week we released Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, and this week we released a new Deluxe Edition of the album. The album is about me and Bernie up to the Empty Sky album. We recorded it at Caribou and I wrote my part on the SS France from Southampton to New York. It was the first album to debut at #1. Rehearsing at the Orpheum in Boston made me nostalgic and I'm not usually a nostalgic guy, I tend to look forward, but doing these songs made me realize the special relationship I have with Bernie"

9. Captain Fantastic - EJ sounds great on this classic, Davey on Banjo. This version was very faithful but fresh at the same time. I noticed on this song that Elton seemed to be really focused not wanting to mess up here. But they really did a great version of it. On the screen they had the CF logo when it came to point when he repeated it in the chorus. Also they had Elvis displayed, and the text of the Hillburn review from the Troubador show.

10. Bitter Fingers - I was really surprised he went right into this song expecting to hear Tower of Babel, but Elton soared on these vocals, taking a bit of liberties on some of the high parts but still made it sound great. John M added some nice bells and percussion. Davey was playing a really cool guitar with Captain Fantastic artwork on it.

11. Tell Me When the Whistle Blows - Intro seemed to be more Guy (Keyboard) based to be than at Radio City last year. Choir was good, and this was a good version don't get me wrong. Elton sang great on this energetic song. But all in all I thought the Radio City performance was better. No direct intro into the next song Someone Saved.

12. Someone Saved My Life Tonight - Soon as the first piano notes were made the crowd responded favorably since they all knew that one. Really cool backing vocals on first verse by band. Good guitars on this one, and really powerful as usual, and top that all off it had a nice jam. Definite highlight

13. Meal Ticket - Song Rocked big time. Elton sang his heart out here, choir gave it a really energetic edge. It was a song that was great to hear live.

14. Better Off Dead - EJ was great here, and band was great with Davey on Acoustic and Nigel on the drums. Really cool song.

15. We All Fall In Love Sometimes/Curtains - "One of our best love songs talking about my relationship with Bernie, we weren't lovers but just like brothers" Great to finally get to hear these songs live. Wonderful sound on this one, and the band sounds really tight. John M is taking care of the high notes on this one, while Elton went down to a lower register couple times. Davey started out on Acoustic but think he might have switched to another guitar mid song. Curtains started off and EJ was singing awesome with some really great piano. Incredible drumming and percussion, choir really shined on the end part too, really incredible, stunning, a true showstopping highlight for me and most die hard fans. Oh on the screens they listed the members of the Old EJ band back in 1975 then did the same for the current members in the following order, EJ, BT, Gus, Davey, Nigel, Dee, Ray, Guy, Bob, John.

Act 3- Elton's Jukebox
At 9.30 pm the choir left and the hits began

16. Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding - I've said before that I never get sick of this song and I probably wont ever. It's also clear that most people coming to EJ shows know this one as well. It was a really driving performance which was awesome featuring some cool piano too. Definitely a highlight for me.

17. Bennie And the Jets - EJ got the crowd going on the first note as usual. Always fun live as well, even if you heard it a ton of times. Crowd starting to get up and dance even in the balcony. Nice little piano solo towards the end. And the band jam at the end was awesome at well.

18. Daniel - Obviously a crowd favorite, but I think this classic song needs a break for a while, song doesn't do much for me live. But nonetheless EJ sang well and a decent version overall.

19. Take Me to The Pilot - Another song that probably could use a break, but I don't mind him doing this one live. Best parts for me were a nice piano solo that was different, and a soulful vocal intro to the song. But rest of the song was the same he's been doing for years, but still always good. Still does the showboating pointing to the crowd at the end.

20. Rocket Man (9:59-10:11 12min) - I don't know how he still turns out amazing versions after all these years, but he did here. Another song everyone in the building knew. But it was Elton's vocals and piano that soared. The improvisational jam with Elton and the band was so amazing. But when Elton repeated Rocket Man over and over he took the song to another level. After that the obviously tight EJ band just jammed for a while with a definitely bluesy feel at time. Then I am please to report that the R-O-C-K-E-T M-A-N was back this time in a slower place than the famous 1984 version, but still great to see EJ pulling that out. He stole the show on this one, and what can say except that it was one of the best versions I ever heard.

Before the starting the next song, Elton dedicated the song to some friends in the audience including Mr and Mrs Robert Kraft, Mr Kraft is the owner of the NFL's New England Patriots and EJ said GO Pats to a good crowd response.

Editorial Comment- Nice to mention Pats, but what about the World Series Champions Red Sox???

21. I Guess that's Why They Call it the Blues - Elton was in great voice on the song especially at the end when he just belted it out of the arena. Nice accompaniment by the band especially on the drums and vocals. I really liked this soulful and bluesy version done tonight.

22. Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word - Before starting the song Elton dedicated it to Ray Charles and talking about the recording of their duet how it was one of the saddest and best moments of his life. And that it was the last thing Ray ever did in the studio Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word- If its not clear above but Elton was singing awesome tonight, really strong and rich vocals, this song was no different. I also liked the band's backing vocals on the song really added a nice touch. This new backstory about Ray to me gave it more emotional energy than before. And at the end of the song they displayed Ray Charles on the screens.

23. Tiny Dancer - It was clear that nobody knew this song either LOL, Song still has its clear country feel to me. And Nigel was amazing on the drums on this classic song. It was a sweet version but I have heard it all before.

Band Intro and the return of the 9 person choir who were really good

24. Philadelphia Freedom - The Garden became a party at this point. Choir really was great on this one. Making this version a lot of fun and very enjoyable. LED screen was showing some patriotic images on the screen.

25. Sad Songs - I am so glad that this classic song is back in the setlist. This performance had a nice different Piano and guitar intro. And features a nice little Piano solo in the middle. Really was a powerful and amazing performance.

26. Levon - Had another inventive piano solo at the beginning, and I also like that EJ sang the first verse pretty much by himself. It was an incredibly energetic performance. Band rocked, and the Choir shined too. End also was amazing with the choir and Elton interplay. True Highlight.

27. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me - Beautiful singing on this fan favorite. Its powerful especially when EJ hits the chorus, one thing I liked was the line "seem to fade from black and white" the screen showed EJ that way. Very different singing not the same way he usually does, very playful. But it was all great and he towered over everyone on this one. And as usual the ending was powerful.

28. Bitch Is Back - Elton got the crowd going on the intro of this one. And I didn't quite see that well, but I believe Elton tried to do a Handstand at the intro too. He also sat up on the piano top too. But the song itself featured some cool piano and obviously guitar. And to hear that choir say Bitch, Bitch etc at the end of song was sight to see.

29. Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) - By this time even the folks up top where I was were up and dancing along. A song that's always a lot of fun live. I was dancing myself but I can tell you it was great featuring some cool piano by EJ. And the band and the choir doing their part as well.

Long Autograph sweep at this point, and apparently one of the things he signed was a Cd Liner booklet of the Captain Fantastic Album, My Friend Dick got a Watford Scarf signed, and Patty got her old 70s albums poster signed as well.

30. Crocodile Rock - Not much to say except the crowd was having a blast and that EJ was still sounding great 3 hours into this clearly amazing show.

31. Your Song - Elton now changed into a casual black outfit, ready to leave, but first he did say the following " Thank You Boston for listening to the new stuff and Captain Fantastic, I been coming here to Boston for 36 years and I want to thank you for all the Loyalty and this song is for you all" Your Song- Really passionate version tonight. At first I thought it was a EJ solo performance, but band was out for the 2nd verse which I thought was cool. He even belted some 2nd verse lines in more of the style that the new Patti Labelle duet, and just belted out the chorus like he can do so awesomely live. Show Ended at 1120 PM It was an absolutely an amazing show the non stop energy and high quality performance, makes Elton one of the best live acts you will ever see. To hear most of two Elton John albums in one night was a once in a lifetime thrill. I really enjoyed the contributions the choir made to the show it wouldn't be as good of a show if they weren't a part of it. And the band Elton has now is just awesome these boys can just play awesome, they can rock and sing with the best of them

Post Concert and a Surprise
Well the plan after the show was to meet up with Kevin and Dick at the concourse level, but it was such a zoo that it took a while to get over to them and thankfully I did get to. When I got there, with them was Kevin from Minneapolis and Bob and Sharon from Chicago. Dick was showing off the scarf which has EJ's signature. And I asked Kevin how did you make out with my Cd Liner, he said no luck, and I said don't worry, but he said you can look at it anyway. So I opened it up and on the page with the lyrics to the song Captain Fantastic, sure enough there it was a quick but clear enough for me a signature by EJ himself. I was floored and thanked Kevin for getting it for me. So that topped what already was an amazing night. I boarded a 12.10 am train and got home like 12.45 am. This will be a night I will never forget that is for sure.

Following is the complete set list of the Boston show on September 16, 2005:

• Weight Of The World
  
• Porch Swing In Tupelo
  
• Answer In The Sky
  
• Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
  
• My Elusive Drug
  
• They Call Her The Cat
  
• Freaks In Love
  
• All That I'm Allowed
  
• Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy
  
• Bitter Fingers
  
• Tell Me When The Whistle Blows
  
• Someone Saved My Life Tonight
  
• (Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket
  
• Better Off Dead
  
• We All Fall In Love Sometimes
  
• Curtains
  
• Funeral For A Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Bennie And The Jets
  
• Daniel
  
• Take Me to The Pilot
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why The Call It The Blues
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
  
• Levon
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
• Your Song

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