Fan report by Matt Isaacs.

By the time of last Elton concert I attended, in Manchester back in December 2003, which was the best Elton gig ever, - AND I also met Nigel, I had already booked my ticket for this special occasion, knowing it going to be something special. Even watching TV footage of the Royal Opera house show in 2002, didn’t prepare for how enjoyable and spectacular this night was going to be.

As soon as Elton and orchestra came on stage, and he announced he would do five songs from “Elton John”, I was already in heaven. “Sixty Years On” was so authentic and faithful to the original; the hairs were standing on the back on my neck. “The Greatest Discovery” was lovingly played, as was the beautiful “I Need You To Turn To”.

The choir added a heavenly wall of sound on “Border Song”, by which time the band were on stage, excelling beyond belief as usual. “The King Must Die” was a real treat to hear, as I don’t think he’s played this life since Melbourne in 1986. Needless to say “Burn Down the Mission” was stunningly excellent.

I was nice to hear “Believe”, especially with the haunting orchestral coda at the end. Stunning. The playing and skill of the Royal academy of music really came across during “Come Down In Time” along with Davey and Bob adding subtle touches. When Elton announced he was going play something from “Captain Fantastic”, I thought it would be special version of “Someone saved my Life Tonight”. When I discovered it was “Tell Me When The Whistle Blows” I nearly fell off my seat. This was highlight night for me. Guy really excelled playing some funky electric piano. Davey delivered some mean bluesy licks, and the orchestra were unbelievable. They obviously had been watching “Soul Train”!

Next it was time for a “Madman Across The Water” blitz. Of course “Tiny Dancer” came first, which I still gladly sing along to. The choir enhanced this quite a lot. The next real surprise was the title track. It during songs like these you realise how marvellous a guitar player Davey is. The precision of the band was immense. Nigel was really playing his heart out. Elton sung “Holiday Inn” as if he’d met a long lost friend. This is one my favourite songs, again faithfully performed. As for “Levon”, it simply brought the house down! I love the way Nigel speeds everybody up at the end!

Elton introduced the choir, orchestra, James Newton Howard, “Who started out as a member of my band until we drove him crazy!” and the band. He poked fun at Davey’s folk upbringing. “We put him in a mental institution for 6 months”. When introducing Nigel, Elton spoke of the days he and Dee Murray backed him at all those early gigs, even though they didn’t play on a whole album until “Honky Chateau”. Elton also mentioned how much the band contributed to the forthcoming “Peachtree Road” set. He gave credit to Guy’s orchestral skills “Which are redundant tonight!”

Casual fans produced Cheshire cat grins when the strings ushered in “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word”. “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore” saw some more dexterous drumming from Nigel. “Philadelphia Freedom” lightened the mood up, preparing the way for an earth shattering “Have Mercy on the Criminal”. As expected “Carla Etude” & “Tonight” were both bang on the money. “Take Me To The Pilot” obviously benefited from the strings. Bob’s fills at the songs climax were extremely tasteful.

By the time “Saturday Night” kicked in, I had to go down the front, but thanks to security it wasn’t until the middle section until I actually succeeded! What a way to end a set. The encores were fascinating. During “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”, Davey added some really unusual BB King like blues lines. I could only hear these through his monitors, but hearing him blast away like this was a joy to behold. Through “Your Song” Nigel and Bob was added some innovative almost reggae rhythms to the track. I’m so glad I bullied my way to the stage! Elton wasn’t in a signing mood, so I made do with a set list from the stage!

Elton lifts the game once again. I strongly recommend anyone who is Elton fan. THEY MUST SEE THIS! Now all have to do is wait for “Peachtree Road” to come out ...

Following is the complete set list from the Birmingham show on June 29, 2004:

• Sixty Years On
  
• The Greatest Discovery
  
• I Need You To Turn To
  
• Border Song
  
• The King Must Die
  
• Burn Down The Mission
  
• Believe
  
• Come Down In Time
  
• Tell Me When The Whistle Blows
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Madman Across The Water
  
• Holiday Inn
  
• Levon
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• This Train Don't Stop There Anymore
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Have Mercy On The Criminal
  
• Carla/Etude
  
• Tonight
  
• Take Me To The Pilot
  
• Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• Your Song

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