Elton John

Venue Unknown
Solo Tour 1999
Dayton, OH

I saw the solo show last night in Dayton - WOW!! The talent of this man who can perform SOLO for almost 3 hrs, playing all his own music, is absolutely amazing! He pounded the keyboard, putting such feeling into every song! The set list was changed around a little bit, I'll put the list at the end for those of you who are interested. Elton came out wearing a dark blue (maybe suede) suit, which had sequins on the back, with a baby blue t-shirt underneath, along with blue-tinted glasses. Very nice! And he looked really good, a little trimmer maybe? He started off with some slower tunes, I especially loved "Skyline Pigeon". He also played "Blessed", a new addition to the set list, he said he added if after getting many requests for it. I had with me my 12-yr old daughter at her first EJ concert (I was 12 when I got "hooked" on Elton), and it was just so sweet that she laid her head on my shoulder and let me hug her throughout the song. It was a special time for us, and unusual for my pre-teen to show such affection in public. Thank you, Elton. She remarked what a great piano player he was, and was awed by the fact that he played so many of his own songs, with no band or opening act. "Ticking" was wonderful too, very touching. That song, along with some of the other songs, reminded me what a gifted lyricist Elton has with Bernie Taupin, a master of words. So many of the songs from years ago, have such meaning today, including when he sang "Border Song" - ....."let us live in peace." The crowd was subdued during the beginning, and the front rows really didn't get up and get moving until, "I Don't Wanna...", although I think they may have been restrained by security. They had lights on the front row at the left of the stage in front of Elton, and, excuse me, but most of them should have been where I was, they didn't deserve those seats!! I think it should be a rule for front row tickets that you have to know the words to at least 3 or 4 songs!! Geesh people!! I could tell who were the fans and who just got lucky! Anyway, after "I Don't Wanna..." is when you want to get to the stage. He works it right to left, signing autographs on ticket stubs, and programs, etc. He does a pretty thorough job. And this is when I was watching for Jill (of a previous post) to get up there with her flowers and note to Elton about her daughter, Harmony. It was great! I was standing, looking through my binoculars to get a good look, giving an excited play-by-play to all those around me (whether they cared or not!) at her success, along with her boyfriend, of getting a couple of autographs and handshake from Elton!!! So exciting!! (A note here to anyone who is interested - Jill and I were friends in HS and hadn't seen each other in about 19 years, and found each other again here on the newsgroup! We found each other after the show, and she showed me her autographs, including a portrait her mother had painted, which was fantastic, and which Elton had signed! She was in 7th Heaven! Congrats, Jill!! Oh, and we still look as young as we did in high school!!) "Crocodile Rock" was great fun, I think EVERYONE was on their feet for this one! Everyone knew this one and joined in the la-la-la's. People went back to the stage for this one, as well as for "Bennie and the Jets". After "Bennie" (the first encore), Elton left the stage, while the thunderous applause beckoned his return! To everyone's delight, he returned wearing dark blue long shorts, with a dark blue t-shirt, with a cream-colored shorter jacket over top. Unusual get-up if you ask me! But who cared anyway?!! Same blue glasses. He settled us all down with "The Last Song" as the last encore. Sorry for such a long one, but it was all so amazing!! I'm lucky enough to be seeing him again this Saturday in Cleveland - 4th Row!! Wish me luck with the autograph!

Your Song
Skyline Pigeon
The Greatest Discovery
Border Song
Talking Old Soldiers
Daniel
Honky Cat
Rocket Man
Sacrifice
Better Off Dead
Blessed
I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
Ticking/Carla/Etude
Tonight
I Dont Wanna Go On With You Like That
The One
Mona Lisas and Madhatters
Take Me To The Pilot
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Written In The Stars
Levon
Crocodiel Rock
Dont Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Cirlce Of Life
Bennie And The Jets
The Last Song

Reivew Provided By Jodie Holley