ELTON JOHN - MANCHESTER, UK.
Elton John at the AO Arena, Manchester, UK (02/06/2023).
As Elton John's long and illustrious career winds down he has embarked on a final farewell tour dubbed 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' after the song of the same name.
There was no support for the evening, Elton John coming on stage early and playing for a lengthy two-and-a-half hours instead. There was no theatrics to introduce him to the crowd, simply darkness as him and his band took to the stage - opening with the classic 'Bennie And The Jets', the crowd instantly captivated by the icon.
With a career as long as Elton’s it was basically guaranteed that every song on the setlist was going to be a certified hit, taking us on a journey, starting 50 years ago and taking us to the modern day. Dedicating one of his earliest hits 'Border Song' to the late Aretha Franklin - in ode to her cover of the track - was a beautiful touch, with videos of the late icon playing on the screen behind Elton.
For the entire set Elton stay perched at his piano, which itself was on a platform that moved across the stage during songs. 'Tiny Dancer' got the crowd back singing along, before quickly following with 'Have Mercy On The Criminal' and one of Eltons biggest hits 'Rocket Man (I Think It's Gonna Be A Long Long Time)'.
From here the hits continued to deliver, fan favorites such as 'Someone Saved My Life Tonight' worked in with some deeper classics like 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me'. Band introductions revealed a long history between Elton and those he chooses to play with, many of which having been on his crew since before I was born - a true testament to the icon's status.
The final portion of the main set focused on Eltons more upbeat tracks 'The Bitch Is Back' opening the final stretch, getting the crowd stood up and dancing before 'I'm Still Standing', 'Crocodile Rock' and 'Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)' closed the main set. Confetti raining from the ceiling as the crowd delivered a rapturous ovation.
With some of Elton's biggest hits untouched it was only right he would return for an encore, opening this with his most recent number 1 single, 'Cold Heart' - featuring a video appearance from Dua Lipa. Elton transitioned from this, as his most recent number one, to his first number one, the beautiful 'Your Song'. Couples swaying together singing the touching ballad before Elton touched the keys for the final track of the night.
Of course the 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Tour' had to end with a rendition of the titular track, Elton and band making every note impactful before Elton rose into the stage atop a lift, as the crowd stood and applauded as the icon disappeared.
For many, this would be their only chance to see the icon in action, his farewell tour wraps at Glastonbury. There's few icon's that can demand the level of respect of Elton and it was a truly fantastic show fitting of a legends farewell.
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