Fan report by Ana Sousa.

I went to Sao Paulo in the evening on Friday January 16, 2009. At the airport I met a friend, who I shared the room with. We took turns in the line since 8:30am. She brought with her a small bench for us to seat while in the line, so we wouldn't get too tired when we got into the arena. The scheme worked perfectly. The hotel was just two blocks away, so when I was in the line, she was resting at the hotel and vice versa.

When we arrived at the arena in the morning there were about 30 fans already waiting; some of them since the previous night. The gates were schedule to open at 5pm, but there was a delay of 1 hour causing uproar from the fans, especially because they asked to split the single line in three, which caused a total chaos for accessing the arena. Those that arrived pretty early were incensed at the lack of organization, because many that arrived late were getting up front. Also, a heavy rain fell and each minute that went by the atmosphere was getting tenser.

When the gates finally opened at 6pm, the crowd was shoving to enter in the arena to get a better place in front of the stage. The security had a hard time to perform the public safety inspection. I'm not sure if they either allowed cameras or not, but many made it to the arena with a camera in hands.

The stage was about 9.8 feet high and there were two lines of rails separating the stage from the public that together were about 9.8 feet wide. No autograph sweep this night then.

When I entered, I ran to a place right in front of the stage that at that time was prepared for James Blunt concert, so there was no piano yet to be in front of, but knowing Elton likes to be on the left, I could sort of guess where it was the closest I could stay in front of him, so I run to the left side and joined with a few of my friends that were already in the arena.

In the arena the mood calmed down. At 8pm sharp James Blunt started his concert. I have to say, the boy astonished me with his energy and presence on stage. Charismatic, he won the crowd and many, including myself, had a great time on his concert.

After Blunt's concert was finished his stage equipment was dismantled to make room to Elton's music equipment. When the piano was pushed onto the stage many fans couldn't keep the tears. The piano was the real proof that it was not a dream; it was real that they were about to see Elton live again. After 13 years, his Brazilians fans that attended his concert in 1995 could experience the same emotion and excitement they lived before, while those that were going to see him for the first time it was a lifetime dream that was finally turning reality.

When Elton got on stage at 10 pm, an incredible noise filled the arena; screams; applause, fans calling his name. Again, many fans couldn't keep the tears. It was too much emotion for those that waited 13 years to see the man again and for those that had never seen him live.

Elton wore a black jacket with "The Lion King" on the sleeve and love on the front with a yellow shirt to match. On the back of his jacket there were drawings inspired by "The Lion King".

I had a great view of Elton. I was lucky, because the piano was placed not too far on the left. I just didn't have a full view of him - I couldn't see his legs - because there was a teleprompter blocking part of the view. I had a great view of the band, except of Nigel that was totally hidden behind the piano. I just saw his hand when he waived to the audience during the band's introduction.

Elton was clearly happy with the fans' display of affection for him. To very smile, every move there was a response from the public with screams and applause. "Elton I love you" was heard several times throughout the night. The fans sang in chorus with him. The language was not a barrier anymore. There was only one language and it was the language of Elton's songs.

He was in top form. His voice was clear and loud; his piano playing was flawless. The band was tight as always.

One of the most moving moments was when he came back for the encore and performed "Skyline Pigeon". This song is one of his most beloved songs in Brazil. In 1995 he didn't perform this song, but made a promise that next time he played in Brazil he would sing it for us. He kept his promise. "Skyline Pigeon" is not on the set-list of this tour, but he did it solo just for us. It was a special moment.

He played all the set-list without any break, with just a brief exit from the stage before the encore.

Before finishing the concert with "Your Song", he thanked the audience for being a wonderful and loving crowd. He also thanked Brazil and the city of Sao Paulo and dedicated "Your Song" to the audience wishing love and happiness forever.

Following is the complete set list of the Sao Paulo show on January 17, 2009:

• Funeral for a Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• The Bitch is Back
  
• Madman Across the Water
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Levon
  
• Believe
  
• Take Me to the Pilot
  
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
  
• Daniel
  
• Rocket Man
  
• Honky Cat
  
• Sacrifice
  
• Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
  
• All the Girls Love Alice
  
• I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues
  
• Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word
  
• Candle in the Wind
  
• Bennie and the Jets
  
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• I'm Still Standing
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
• Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
  
  
• Skyline Pigeon
  
• Your Song

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