Fan report by Si Owens.

Having been an Elton fan for fourteen years and an Elton concert-goer for seven years, I'm a pretty recent convert to the man's talents in relation to many loyal stalwarts who've backed Elton John since the heady 1970s. I know that there have been many special occassions and events during Elton's long and distinguished career for fans to savour - Central Park at the end of the seventies, Maddison Square Garden with John Lennon in '74, and Live Aid to name but a few. I've always envied those who were present at those moments in Elton's career.

Elton John at Ipswich on June 16, 2004 must surely be remembered by those in attendence as one of those monumental events in the career of this extra-ordinary performer to rank with those mentioned above.

The adulation of the man and appreciation of his talents was tangible from this warmest of crowds from the moment Elton took to the stage. Elton recipricated with kind words for the faithful, and best wishes for Ipswich Town FC.

The build-up to this concert undoubtedly contributed to the sense of expectation for what was to come. It was a glorious day, and the crowds gathered from early stage soaking up the sun, enjoying a drink and some food and a chat with the plentiful and most friendly police presence. The occassion was taking on a festival atmosphere and when James Blunt took to stage shortly after 7 pm, he gave a set of cheerful, superbly-written music, complete with humour and sensitive addresses of the audience. Mid-way thorugh James' set, you really could have been at a glorious music festival.

Then, at 8 pm prompt, it was Elton's turn. This was one of those Elton performances which just couldn't have been any better. It was the most maticulous vocal performance I've ever heard from Elton. He was clearly in the best of moods and he simply threw himself into his set.

Every tour I think, "yeah, this time they've got the set-list spot on", and yet every tour they get it even better! "The Bitch Is Back" opening hit you hard in the face. Then they brought you down with calm melodies mid-set. Then they brought you right back up there with a rocking finish.

There were too many highlights to mention them all, but "Rocket Man" gets more and more incredible, Elton peforming "Sacrifice" solo at the piano is the most amazing thing you can hear in live music, and Elton agained loved to lose himself in his vocal ending of "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues".

The appreciation that Elton received at this concert was electric - and he returned the favour with interest. A read of the local papers the following confirmed the esteem with which these people regard Elton John, and the magnitude of this incredible event. I picked up two local papers on the June 17, 2004, both of which gave four-page spreads to the gig. And at last an English audience lost it's tag of "remain seated but politely tap your toes". This 23,000 strong crowd rocked and loved it.

Following is the complete set list of the Ipswich show on June 16, 2004:

• The Bitch Is Back
  
• Bennie And The Jets
  
• Levon
  
• Daniel
  
• Someone Saved My Life Tonight
  
• Ballad Of The Boy In The Red Shoes
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
  
• I Want Love
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Take Me To The Pilot
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Sacrifice
  
• Candle In The Wind
  
• Funeral For A Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Believe
  
• All The Young Girls Love Alice
  
• Are You Ready For Love
  
• I'm Still Standing
  
• Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
  
• Pinball Wizard
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
  
• Your Song

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