Wow! Another great show by our man! Just love to watch him coming out to The Bitch is Back. He came out right at 8:00 wearing a black and red kamono (sp?). Looks like a long flowing dress to me, but what the heck--maybe it's comfortable.
We had 5th row seats on the left (e.j.com ROCKS) and had the most super view. He didn't seem as animated as some of the other shows I've read about, but nevertheless, it was certainly a vibrant show!
He played a lovely intro to Levon so that I didn't even recognize it at first. Truly awesome. But the very best song of the evening to me was Rocket Man. It was intricate, rocking, soulish. It was everything.
One thing I love to see him do is when he pounds his chest and points to various parts of the audience after ...Pilot (which began with some great piano tinkling). Nikita was simply beautiful. He hasn't done that over here a whole lot. A treat. And no matter how many times I hear FFF/LLB it really is one of the grandest songs in a set list. Grand can also be described for Believe. What a song!
Whatever Elton has had done to his face worked. He looks wonderful! At one point we saw him sternly motioning to the security guards to let the people come to the stage. Before I'm Still Standing. And so the stage rush began and I wormed my way right up to the front with just one person in front of me and we were right in front of Elton. This is a first for me and I was beside myself with joy! I thought his mood went up a notch too when we were all up there. HE applauded US when we sang our 'la la la's' on Crock Rock. I think he even said 'good'.
It was great seeing Davey sidle up to him playing his guitar on Sat. Night's All Right. Got the crowd all wound up! Davey's looking kinda old, but still vibrant as heck!
Elton didn't sign autographs until almost the very end and I GOT ONE! Another first for me. Had him sign the vinyl single sleeve to Who Wears These Shoes? I was SO close. Could hardly believe it!!! No handshakes for anyone though. And to top it all off for me... the woman in front of me left and I could actually lean on the stage. Yippee! He looked right over at me and I pointed at him as if to say 'Your the man!' I'm not crazy about the sunglasses though. I'd like to see his eyes.
He just caressed Your Song with his voice and looked downright moved at the response from the audience to him. The crowd there was just great and the last look I got of Elton, he walked out looking very pleased and going 'Woooo!'
The show ended at 10:35. Same set list as the others of course. A night I'm sure that will live in my memory for years to come.
Charlene
What a truely intimate venue indeed Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland Maine is. It was my first time at this venue and sure not to be my last should I have the good fortune to see Elton there again.
Thanks to eltonjohn.com my husband and I had seats in the 7th row directly in front of Elton and I had an aisle seat for lots of room for dancing. Thank you eltonjohn.com I was certainly dancing for joy with my seats.
Elton began with The Bitch Is Back and it really caught the crowds attention. A very unique attention getting opener it was indeed! Elton was wearing a bright red shiny blousy shirt with a long black skirtish looking outfit.
Nikita was so amazing that it sent chills down my spine. Also a truely different and amazing rendition of Rocket Man.
On the intro to I'm Still Standing I got up to the stage and secured a place in the second standing row right directly in front of Elton. Elton sweetly signed my tour book simply Elton. An intimate touching autograph for an equally touching show at such a uniquely intimate venue.
Elton in spite of all life's pains in Portland and always you have shown me "how wonderful life is while your in the world".
Deb
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