It was perfect.
I don't know that I can even adequately describe how wonderful this concert was. Elton's talent is just that much more miraculous when you are sitting in the same arena with him. I'm a big fan, and have listened to just about every album he has created, watched several videos of concerts, etc., but none of that comes close to hearing that sound live in the room with you.
It was my first time attending an Elton show, and I cried during the first song (Your Song) because I was just so overcome and excited to finally be there. I loved the sound of just him and the piano. He could do all concerts like that as far as I'm concerned! The sound was just so "pure," for lack of a better word. I have no idea where all of that music comes from; it just spills from him, these complicated songs, with no sheet music -- it's just all INSIDE him. It just amazes me. I did not want to leave. At times, it seemed almost impossible that such a *complete* performance could come from one man and a piano, but this was Elton -- of course it could!
The Chattanooga show was the second concert of Elton's 1999 solo tour. He was very gracious the entire time, and looked like he was having a great deal of fun. He didn't appear in the least bit nervous. Before each song, he explained a little of the history of the song or why he enjoyed a certain song. I don't believe his voice faltered even a little during the show.
My favorite part of the night was when he played Carla / Etude and then went straight into Tonight. The way he played and sang it was just so full of emotion; the crowd didn't seem to make a peep during this song. All attention was focused on the notes. It was better than the Blue Moves version.
During the Bennie And The Jets encore, he improvised a piece of Chattanooga Choo-Choo and drove the crowd wild! Throughout the 2 hour 40 minute show, he repeatedly thanked the crowd for being "so attentive and patient." There were standing ovations after many songs, and profuse applause after each number and at the beginning of just about every song when the crowd realized what he was playing. He sipped Diet Coke following each song and left the piano to walk around the stage, accepting applause, waving, and bowing to the fans. Several times during the show, he stopped to give autographs to eager fans on the front row.
One of the best moments of the show was when Elton informed the crowd that Bernie Taupin had flown in from Los Angeles to be there! Elton introduced Bernie, and he came on stage to a standing ovation, hugged Elton and waved to everyone. That was a special time to me because I think he is often overlooked in his contribution. There were people sitting behind me who didn't even realize Elton didn't write the lyrics until that point!
I will never forget that concert, even if I see another Elton show in the future (I hope to see many more!). The whole evening seemed somehow surreal: am I really here?! I am in awe of Elton's ability to perform for such a long stretch of time with basically no rests. This tour is another testament to his vast talent. If we are lucky enough, he will consider doing another solo tour very soon.
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