Fan report by Jacopo Rocchi.

What a night! Three days after this show and I'm still realizing what a show I've seen, what songs I've listened to. After the band show in Verona in July 2009 and the solo concert in Naples in early September 2009, this was the event I was looking forward to, beacuse Elton gives always his best with Ray Cooper. And when I read the set list he was playing in the previous shows with Ray at the Albert Hall and in France I was so excited, because I love Elton's recent albums, expecially "Songs From The West Coast", and Elton played four songs from this album, including "Original Sin", defintely one of my favourites!

Elton took the stage at 9.00 pm with no Aida introduction, so the lights went out and he appeared on the stage with the black dress he wears on this tour, and he started with "The One": Simply beautiful and Elton's voice was perfect and powerful from the first note to the last one.

Elton greeted the audience, saying he was happy to be back in Italy for this show in which he will play some old songs, some newer songs, some very very old songs, and he said: "I hope you enjoy the selection of songs". Yes Elton, we liked the set list so much! After the songs from "Elton John", Elton played one of the highlights: "Emperor's New Clothes", what a beautiful rendition of this song!

Before playing "Weight Of The World" (another excellent song) Elton said this song was about how he feels at the moment, and he played this song with such expressivity that he communicated his feelings to all of us. Elton was having so much fun with us, that he said "Oh I love it here" and he improvised Tony Dallara's "Come prima", an italian very old song for italian audience!

"Original Sin", "American Triangle" and "Skyline Pigeon" were other perfect songs from Elton's set, definitely the best Elton solo set since many years. And then during a brilliant version of "Funeral For a Friend" Ray entered with his powerful percussion. I knew Ray, I watched many videos, but being there, listening to his percussion, watching his way of playing was awsome. Ray was so energic that sometimes he captured the audience sight over him.

The set was simply beautiful: There are no words to describe the masterpieces these two men performed for us. In "Funeral For A Friend" and "Indian Sunset" Elton and Ray reached the top: These songs were a pure expression of art. After the sweet "Blessed" everyboy rushed the stage and we were in front of Elton and Ray singing during the rock finale: "Honky Cat" with Ray's duck call was so funny, and "Crazy Water" was one of my favourites from the entire show. I love this sopng, but the rendition I heard last night left me with no words.

Elton signed many autographs, more than he usually does in Italy and I had my Red Piano tourbook signed by Elton! With "Saturday Night" Elton and Ray said goodbye to us.

This was a night I will never forget. I heard the songs I really love. Elton and Ray were in a great mood, Elton really loves Italy and this years he came three times. Elton we love you, come back soon in Italy!

Following is the complete set list of the Milan show on September 29, 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
  
• The Weight of the World
  
• Rocket Man
  
• American Triangle
  
• Skyline Pigeon
  
• Nikita
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Original Sin
  
• Your Song

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