Fan report by David Wright.

The most anticipated Elton John concert since his 60th birthday exceeded all expectations. The concert was to raise funds for the Royal Academy of Music Organ Appeal. Elton joked "I never thought I'd do a concert to raise money for a new organ".

Not only was it a delight to see the return of Ray Cooper but we were treated to many surprises in the setlist. Elton performed the first 75 minutes solo and included "The Emporer's New Clothes" and "The Weight of the World". He seemed to be thinking about what he was singing with a satisfied nod to the lyric "I'm happy to say I'm amazed that I'm still around".

A further suprise was "House" during which Elton completely missed a line or two and I thought for a moment he might stop and start the song again. There was a poignant reminder of the recent death of Guy Babylon, "an angel and a genius" to whom Elton dedicated "Blues Never Fade Away".

After "Your Song" the fifteen year wait was over - welcome back Ray Cooper, we have missed you! Ray's rather manic energy made "Better Off Dead", "Levon", "Indian Sunset" and "Honky Cat", complete with duck call, particularly memorable. Further surprises included "Blessed" and a version of "Crazy Water" that must have left Elton exhausted.

After nearly three hours they ended with "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)". Every Elton show is a great evening but this was a show to treasure.

There were notices at the venue that the show was being recorded so we can hope for a blu-ray and DVB release.

Following is the complete set list of the London show on September 22, 2009:

Elton solo

• The One
  
• Sixty Years On
  
• The Greatest Discovery
  
• Border Song
  
• The Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes
  
• The Emporer's New Clothes
  
• Rocket Man
  
• The Weight of the World
  
• American Triangle
  
• Skyline Pigeon
  
• House
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Original Sin
  
• Blues Never Fade Away
  
• Your Song

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