Here are a few of my comments about the Madison show.
It started out great when the inexperienced security at the new Kohl Center allowed many people on the main floor to line up at the front of the stage before the show even started. I think people were telling the security that they were going to get autographs and then sit down or something. Whatever the case, me and my friend went straight for the piano and were joined by many including fellow rower Sharon Kalinoski. The security tried to get everyone back in their seats during the 2nd song, but there was too many people up at the front and Elton's security came from the side of the stage and instructed the Kohl security to let everyone stay standing.
I thought Jack Bruno did an OK job on the drums, but I was hoping that he would be more impressive. I couldn't see him at all because the piano was in the way, but the drums sounded a lot like Charlie's drums with a simpler style. I was hoping for a different sound and style. Jack had a great powerful sound on Grey Seal, but beyond that I wasn't that impressed. There were times on other songs when some of the fills he tried seemed awkward. Hopefully, he will get better or Elton will consider someone else on future tours.
I had high hopes for Teenage Idol but it seemed like Elton didn't give a very good vocal performance during the verses. I don't think he varied his voice enough to capture the vocal melody of the verse and he also appeared to be singing too low or perhaps in a different key from the original version. The chorus was more satisfying with some nice background vocal work by the band.
On Captain Fantastic, the first two verses were pure magic and I was just floating and smiling. Elton started right in on the piano with a nice accompaniment by John and Davey. Davey was playing an acoustic guitar on a guitar stand and holding an electric guitar in his hands. Bob joined in on bass and it was just the four of them playing which sounded awesome. It would be nice if Elton would consider playing just with a guitar accompaniment on other songs since it sounded so nice. On "For cheap easy meals?", the band significantly picked up the tempo and I think overdid it. They brought it back to an appropriate pace on "We've thrown in the towel?" but the two transitions didn't sound as smooth as it does on the album, which I think is probably due to the fact that it's difficult to reproduce the kind of drumming that Nigel did on the album.
Besides Captain Fantastic, the highlight of the night for me was the trio of Your Song, Recover Your Soul and Mona Lisas. I think the 3 songs fit together perfectly and in my opinion, it showed that Elton's new songs can stand up well next to some great old ones.
One song that I think should be replaced is Sad Songs. It got a very lukewarm reaction from the crowd considering it was an uptempo hit that was being played towards the end of the show. Elton did his best to try and get the most out of the song, but I think better alternatives for early-80s uptempo hits would be I'm Still Standing or Kiss the Bride.
Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds got a great crowd reaction which was kind of surprising to me. Everyone was singing along and the band did a nice job on the song. I have a feeling that we may see this one in future set lists for years to come.
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