Elton John

House Of Blues
19-September 19, 1997
New Orleans, LA
VH1 Storytellers

In New Orleans we met the group of other ticket winners to make it to pre-party at 6:30. We walked to HOB a few blocks away - stood in line for about 20 minutes. We were at front of line to get in and were given cards to write questions on. I was writing furiously (only 1 card - but so many questions!) when the couple behind me were wondering aloud what to ask. I made a suggestion (Has Bernie been surprised lately at the way songs have turned out? - Hi John :-) When they asked who Bernie was I'm sure the look on my face offended them. I couldn't help it - although there were quite a few *true* fans, there were many who were totally clueless. We were let in to enjoy pre-party food and drinks and told to meet around 7:45 to be seated.
About 7:20 we went near the entrance to room and realized that people were already going in - so we went on in. We were seated on the front row - sounds great - right? It would have been but - the only view we had of EJ was from his bench down. Don't get me wrong - he has great legs and he had some great boots on - black patent leather with rhinestone (diamond?) at top front of ankle. We tried bribing a VH1 person (my sister promised my hand in marriage if he got us on the other side of the piano) but no luck. So I sat there feeling like the horse with the carrot dangling in front of them - so close but just out of reach. Worst of all I couldn't see his face and that dancing eyebrow.
VH1 gave us a few rules and Elton finally came out just a minute or two before air. I know he said something but my heart was pounding so loudly in my ears I don't remember what it was. He opened singing - and you saw the rest.
I was so thrilled to hear TOS (I had been told he was going to play this so I was doubly excited with anticipation). I stood up every chance I had. Of course he deserved even more standing ovations than he got. I did have a great view of him when I stood. I was near right front of piano. During TOS I took a deep breath and reminded myself how lucky I was to be there - regardless of my view. I released (my anxiety), I relaxed (my mind) and I recovered (my enthusiasm for the man and his music). I was definitely living in the moment and enjoying every bit of it.
He would go behind a partition during commercials to dry off. There was a lady with a broken foot near this partition and once on his way back he stopped, shook her hand and chatted for a moment. He was very relaxed and in good humor.
We offered a couple sitting in front of Elton $100 to let us sit there for the last 20 min. They said OK but when I couldn't get my $ out fast enough they wouldn't get up and we had to get back to our seats (2 seconds to live). That really sucked!
Before the last segment VH1 was telling us that they were going to keep filming for about 30-45 sec. after EJ/BT left to roll credits so keep clapping. At this Elton said - "And Elton will be traveling tonight on a plane and I'll be on the plane by then [the time the credits are over]" (or something like that)
The first time I heard Bernie talking I nearly broke my neck trying to look around for him. He never came out until you saw it on TV. It was so great to see them together. Thought Bernie looked Fabulous! Loved the looks Elton was giving him - reminded me of a little boy trying to impress/amuse beloved big brother.
I was a little disappointed that the songs were hit list. I really wanted to hear some of his other hundreds of great songs. Will we ever hear Ticking live? I think David's next project should be another program for us die hard fans where he sings only the great songs that never charted, with Bernie at his side telling us about the lyrics.
We were given TBP as we left - that was cool - almost went out and bought a CD player that night!
When I finally got to watch it on tape Sunday night I found that I was shown twice. Once for a split second laughing (and trying to stretch my neck to see him) after his comment about not being able to write lyrics. Then at the end of credits - the last close-up they show. Also if you see a hand signing "I love You" that's mine (I figured if I didn't get to tell him in person maybe he knew ASL).
I wish I could report something more exciting (like meeting him!) Oh well - maybe next time ;-) He was in & out quickly on his way to LA. I know there were a couple of other Rowers there - maybe they will post as well with another perspective.
All in all it was an unforgettable birthday (also found out I'm going to be an Auntie again!). Here's to another 30 years of my favorite soul food.


Your Song
Talking Old Soldiers
I Don't Want to Go On With You Like That
I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
Daniel
Levon
Something About The Way You Look Tonight
Long Way From Happiness
Bennie And The Jets
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Take Me To The Pilot
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me