Five Stars
ELTON JOHN
SSE Hydro, Glasgow
FORTY-EIGHT years after responding to the NME advert that introduced him to his lifelong songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, Elton John is still touring like there's no tomorrow; he's on the global road up until December.
Except that there might not be too many sprawling tours like this one. He told this capacity, cheering Glasgow audience that he wouldn't be doing this forever as he wants to see his two young boys grow up. If this was a swansong of sorts, it was a remarkable one, not least because it lasted a full two hours and 20 minutes.
Backed by a band that included guitarist Davey Johnstone, drummer Nigel Olsson and percussionist John Mahon, John opened with a run of songs from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The opener, Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, had the intensity of an encore. Benny and the Jets was the first of several numbers throughout the night that showcased Elton's considerable piano skills; Candle in the Wind is still an affecting song, no matter how often you hear it.
Elton was in good, chatty form throughout, milking the applause of the fans, telling them how much he appreciated their love for him.
Other highlights, in a night full of them, included Burn Down the Mission, Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word, a brilliant Your Song and I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues. A word of praise in passing for the visuals projected onto the huge screen behind the band - they were excellent, particularly during Rocket Man.
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