"OH MY GOD" ? these are the 3 words that best describe my experiences at the first 2 shows on Elton's solo tour. Since the Roanoke setlist has already been provided I'll just elaborate on my impressions of the show. Although, I've been over 30 Elton concerts since 1980, this is my first time attending a solo show.
The stage setup was very similar to that on The Big Picture Tour. Again, there was the greco-roman Versace motif ? hammered metal panels and discs with Medusa symbols.
Elton came out around 8:15 wearing a conservative (for him) black suit with sequins on the edges of the lapels and a sequined Medusa symbol on the back. He began the show with Your Song and got the crowd motivated right away. The first few songs were songs I know he's done in solo shows before. Skyline Pigeon, The Greatest Discovery, Border Song, Talking Old Soldiers, but finally being able to experience them first hand was really wonderful. His vocal was particularly strong on Border Song ? gave it a great gospel edge.
He continued with Daniel and Honky Cat. This was the first time I'd ever heard any solo version of Honky Cat and the improvosation was even more impressive than it was during The Big Picture tour. Come Down In Time, Sacrifice and I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues followed.
When I first got tickets to this show I made up a wish list of the songs I would most like to hear him do on this tour. Ticking was among the first choices I had. When he introduced the song my shreiks of delight could be heard throughout. I had just about reached my threshold for joy. And then -- he introduced Carla / Etude and I passed my threshold for joy. Just sitting there listening to it, I was trembling and mumbling "ooh, ooh, oh my god, oh my god" ? it was amazing to say the least. He then made a beautiful segue into Tonight. This set of songs was clearly the reason I travelled hundreds of miles to see him.
He then brought the crowd back to its feet with I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That and The One. Next, came another nice surprise ? Amazes Me. Very nice to hear an obscure 80's album cut.
He continued with Mona Lisas and Madhatters, another real favorite I'm glad he saved from the last leg of the tour. Then came Take Me To The Pilot with an elaborate piano intro that really outshines the song itself.
Next came yet another gem from the past and a real emotional highlight. For the first time in 28 years, Elton sang Friends live in concert. Throughout the song, I thought of all of my friends, most of whom I've gotten to know because of our mutual admiration for Elton. I was overwhelmed and cried throughout.
Elton would down a bit with Recover Your Soul, Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word and Blue Eyes, but got us all going again with Levon. He ended the main set with Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me.
For the first encore he did Circle of Life ? another song I'm glad he kept in, especially for solo piano. And a more subdued but still elaborate Bennie And The Jets including a little In The Mood in the final piano break. He didn't do any playing underneath or jumping about for any song in the set. He just delivered them all with his great passion and let their artistic merit speak for themselves.
The final encore was The Last Song. It was the only time during the night he made any kind of dedication ? for those suffering with HIV and AIDS ? 30 million worldwide now. He reminded us to be greatful for our own health.
A note about the security -- it was VERY tight in Roanoke. They let the first few rows go up to the stage between songs to hand him cards and flowers and get autographs, but they would not let anyone stay there.
Read Ejfan1973's review of the next night's show in Chatanooga.
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