First of all, reviews of the show can be found in the two major Salt Lake City newspapers at the following URLs:
Salt Lake Tribune: http://www.sltrib.com/08121998/utah/utah.htm Deseret News: http://www.desnews.com/tdy/xa0m5oe7.htm
If those links don't work (they may or may not by the time the digest is published), the articles can be found in the archives for August 12th.
Wow -- what a show! Everything I expected and more. Unlike Elton's last trip to the Delta Center, this show was flawless (with the exception of Davey's guitar cutting out midway through one song). No monitor problems this time -- about as smooth a show as one could expect.
A few things concerning the show and recent posts to "The Row"...
Someone said he had tickets on the 10th row for an upcoming show and was curious what security would let him do (go to the stage, etc.). I was on the 10th row last night, so I think I'm qualified to answer this -- at least for the SLC show. A member of security told us before the show started that the first *8* rows would be able to crowd into the aisle and approach the stage. As it turns out, they let very few people out since they were busy keeping their eyes on a few inebriated fans as it was. :o)
Also, what's up with fans on the floor at a rock concert that refuse to stand up? Only the first 3 rows stood up consistantly -- the entire floor was on their feet when I saw the band in Louisville last October. The woman behind me asked me if I could sit down but I replied (politely) with "I'm sorry, but I can't." :o) Didn't make her too happy for some reason. Aside from me, only one other woman (on the same row) stood up for much of the show -- and she seemed to be a little herbally-enhanced, if you know what I mean. But she was cool. :o)
Okay -- on to the show!
For those of you questioning Bruno's ability on the drum set, question no longer -- this man is the real deal. He can do everything a percussionist can be expected to do with laying down the beat. I didn't really notice any solo work, but I wouldn't be shocked if he had soloed.
John J. has some wild guitars that he uses in concert -- his beautiful Goodbye Yellow Brick Road guitar and two Beatles guitars were my favorites. If you're close enough to see them with binoculars, take a good look!
Being so close, I was *amazed* at how much fun the band has on stage. The fact that they can have so much fun *and* sound so great is truly amazing to me.
For those that have tickets for this leg of the tour, you are truly in for a treat. Among the newest songs, Roy Rogers was fantastic -- true to the original (with horse claps at the end). Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds was amazing -- the band chants "Lucy Lucy Lucy" in rapid succession during much of the song to give it an a capalla feel. And Great Balls Of Fire? Wow. :o)
I had doubted how Circle Of Life would work as a show starter, but it worked great. Quite loud with the African chant -- great song for Elton to greet the audience with.
Elton also did a pretty funky dance at the beginning of Simple Life (somebody correct me if I'm wrong) where he mimicked playing the piano while kicking up his feet. It was evident Elton was having a great time.
Strangely enough, Elton introduced all the band members by their real names last night -- doesn't he usually make up names for most of them?
Outside security was *very* lax last night -- I probably could've smuggled in a full recording studio in there with me. I took a disposable camera and got a few decent shots -- I'd scan them in, but they really aren't close-ups.
I know somebody else will be posting the set list, so I'll stay away from that. Aside from the above, I just don't know what to say about the show except that it was incredible!
We're thinking about trying to make it to another show, so please let us know if you can help us out with show tickets. Thanks!
Michael Walker (michaelw@xmission.com)
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