Here's my story on Sat.'s Knoxville show. I made the almost 4 hr trip from Atlanta to Knoxville with my 11 year old daughter. She was allowed to come with me for her 1st concert, as we did not have a sitter for an overnight trip so my husband lost out. The drive was spent listening to EJ CD's and answering her many questions on band members , songs to expect and stories behind some lyrics. It was an enjoyable time sharing my EJ concert recollections with her.
We arrived at the very large Thompson-Boling Arena which sits on the Univ. of Tenn. campus about 6:45. Expected crowd was to approach 22,000 fans. Upon arriving we scoped out our seats, which were located 2nd row behind the stage at right hand side angled to which we could see EJ facing us. John Mahon's set up was directly below us, with John J next to him. We entered the venue with a large bookbag with assorted goodies, binoculars, my camera with zoom, MIE album cover (in the hopes of an autograph) and even a special team soccer ball from my daughter to EJ.
I located the event staff and pleaded my case for front row seats, declaring my long time fan status, showing off all my old concert stubs and asking for the chance to present our gift to EJ during the show. One staff then called in the more senior staff to hear my case, but he informed me that only 2 seats had been set aside for this show, and they were gone. He also stated that tonight no gifts would be allowed to be presented per EJ, and the 1st row of seats were so close to the stage that there was not much space for people to go forward to dance. Slightly dissapointed we returned to our section, and then made off on a search to find fellow rowers Eric and Anthony as I had their seat assignments yet we did not locate either. Apparently at 7:15 they had not arrived to the seats yet. (Sorry to have missed you guys.)
We hung over the rail and tried to get Fergie the guitar tech to give EJ the soccer ball, he said he couldn't as he was busy tuning the guitars. A few minutes later, with my daughter holding her special team ball, with a message for EJ on it, she was able to get one of the crews attention. I do not know his name and think he was some type of important fellow in the tour (stage manager perhaps?) and she asked if he would present the ball and a letter to him, he said he would not be able to get it returned and we explained that it was a gift. He said he would get it right to him in the dressing room. We dropped it the 10 feet below and off he went to EJ's side back stage. He returned 5 minutes later below us and gave us the thumbs up. We thanked him profusely and can only hope that Elton really did receive it. My daughter Megan then asked Fergie for one of Davey's picks. He replied in a few minutes he'd get her one. I wandered off to the restroom and upon returning found her estatic as he had jumped up on a piece of equipment and handed her 7 picks. One of Davey's with his initials and BIG PIC on the back side, several of JJ's with Made in England, and a few that had (strangely) Tina Turner band on them.
EJ appeared approximately about 8:10 wearing to the crowds delight, an orange suit. Orange being Univ. Tenn colors. I put my camera which was supposedly not allowed to instant use, and have some absolutely incredible photos of the show. I did notice other cameras as well. My telephoto lens allowed for wonderful shots of EJ and band members directly below us.
John J, and Davey seemed to be well aware of me and my camera and actually posed for a few shots. John Mahon and Billy Trudel posed and goofed off for the attention as well. Sorry I have no scanner to share these great shots with everyone. All in all I have about 45 or so great shots with 2/3 of them of EJ in various poses and swilling coke and making faces. The back edge and side of the stage was roughly ten feet away and with my zoom well, lets just say the photos are keepsakes.
Elton gave his usual 100 percent but I must admit the crowd was terrible for 2/3 of the show. I saw little emotion,and very few people standing. Since we were not quite behind them but on the right and at an angle, I stood and sang along with all the songs , JJ, Billy, and John seemed to play and direct all lot of attention our way. This, to the absolute delight of my daughter who was rewarded with waves and and thumbs up throughout the show. A few times they tried to entice the folks next to us , to get up and dance and clap, but very few stood. We exchanged looks as to what's with these people?? The 2 seats next to me were not even occupied, and many people around didn't know the words or even a 1/3 of the songs. How dissapointing.
Elton finally got the crowds going with the usual sing along, rocking songs before the encore. Finally half the venue stood up. Before playing the 1st encore he walked right below us and took a few bows. As I was snapping a shot my daughter held up the MIE album cover with his face and he looked up and rewarded us with a grin and a thumbs up. He was about 10 feet below us, but my photo missed out on the thumbs up. Megan was quite pleased to have been noticed. EJ finally reacted with the front row crowd and touched the fans hands, took his first bouquet of roses and signed 3-4 programs. This was about the extent of fan contact tonight. It seemed contrary to what other rowers have been posting about on previous tour stops.
Elton finally drove the crowd nuts upon entering the stage for the second encore wearing a white and orange UT baseball cap. He started to play Your Song and turned the cap sideways in a cute little boy fashion. ( I also have good shots of this). He wore it this way throughout the song. His voice sounded great, and it appears the cold is gone. The sound behind the stage was poor when he spoke into the mike and we could barely make out his chit chat. Hopefully those in front could better distinginuish his words. Other wise except for an occasional guitar sqauwk, I thought the show was excellent. As the band left after the final song John looked up and tried to throw his guitar pick at us, but it fell back down the 10 feet. When the house lights came on, we pointed it out to a stage helper and he successfully handed it up to us. Guitar pick total for the night was now at 8. (9 including the one I got of Davey's from the Roxy show.)
To Michael of the row, thank you for selling these incredible tickets to us, hope your OK show is just as good. And to John and John of the band in the hopes you read our posts, a big thank you. My daughter had a magical time and has fallen madly in love with you. Thanking you for smiling, acknowledging us and waving to her all night. She has already had your photos blown up. And to that special man, I wish I knew your name, who took our gift to Elton ( we hope) a double thanks.
LJM
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