On a gorgeous and mild summer night, it was time for Adelaide to go down the yellow brick road for the farewell Elton John tour, in the ideallic setting of the Botanic Gardens. This was the first of two concerts in Adelaide, as part of a three-year, 300 show world-wide farewell tour. Commencing in September 2018, and wrapping up in 2021, Elton will clock-up an incredible five decades of performing. Elton John walked on-stage at the exact advertised start time of 8pm, beginning the concert with a popular song of his loyal fans; Bennie and the Jets.Amongst the many songs he played, he spoke to the 13,000 strong crowd about Aretha Franklin anecdotes , his AIDs charity work, his sobriaty since 1990, and repeatedly thanked the crowd for their loyal support.
Elton John shared that “[he] could never, ever have imagined it would turn out like this,”
“I have had the best time. I’ve been so lucky, so fortunate to have had the chance to play music for a living and it’s brought me so much happiness.
“As you know, this is the last time I’ll be coming here because my life has changed … my family needs me and I need them.
“From the bottom of my heart, I will never forget you guys.
“You’re in every part of my body, my soul, my heart, every fibre of my being.
“I’ve had enough applause to last me a million life times, but I want to say thank you.”~~~~~~~~Back to the music and the sound of Elton’s voice was crystal clear and the huge set was visually very impressive. Some of the band still had its original members. This was one professional concert from start to finish and even had a rotating piano on stage.
Tiny dancer is played early in the set which is a popular hit with the enthralled crowd in attendance.Before we knew it, it was halfway through the set and the concert took off into an even higher level with Rocket man where Elton played an extended eight minute version of this song with space like visuals on the screens. But it never felt like it dragged as the crowd were totally captivated. With even the local Botanic Park bats flying over the stage at this moment.Candle in the wind brought an emotional touch to the concert where the big screen showed a video montage of Marilyn Monroe including some of her photo shoots.After a costume change, each member of the band performed their own solo, and then it was time for the crowd to get up and dance with party hits Crocodile Rock, I’m Still Standing and Saturday Nights Alright. This is then followed by an encore, with Elton striding onto stage in a blue Kimono which he then removes to reveal a glittery tracksuit. The concert finishes with Your Song and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, with a fitting finale where we see Elton fade off the Yellow Brick Road in a magical way to end a spectacular and dazzling farewell concert. Botanic Park was truly the perfect setting for this farewell concert by thisGrammy, Tony and Oscar-winner.Tickets are still available for tonight’s second and final concert in Adelaide. This is one concert that you will remember forever in your life.Review by Tony Polese
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