Elton John with his band

Since childhood, I’ve always been a fan of Elton John’s music. However, I don’t know if I’d say that I was actually an Elton John fan. However, that changed on the night of March 21^st, when I got the chance to see him live in concert at the Smoothie King Center.
Even though he’s been touring the United States for 45 years, Elton John is still writing new material, and at a time where he could simply coast on a lifetime of popular hits. It’s been 13 years since he’d performed in New Orleans and he admitted on stage that it was a «disgrace» that it’s been so long.
His band consisted of longtime drummer Nigel Olsson, guitarist Davey Johnstone, bassist Matt Bissonette and keyboardist Kim Bullard. John hit the stage wearing glittered rhinestone jacket with the words «Madman Across the Water» on the back; which happens to be the title of his 1971 album. He «hit the piano bench» running and put on a hell of a show. After nearly every song, he’d stand up and get the crowd pumped up. Kudos to him for paying attention to the cheap seats behind the stage that proved to be a true bargain at only $ 20.00.
I’m not sure if he can still hit the high notes like he used to, but he chose to let his backup singers hit them for him. However, this did not take away from the music, as his voice still rang strong throughout the night. One thing about hearing Elton John live in concert is that you get to hear a lot of ad-​libbing on the piano. He played a LOT MORE than was required of him and we got to hear some truly inspirational piano playing.
Elton played a 28 song set list (see below) and crowd favorites included Bennie & the Jets, Candle in the Wind, Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, Saturday Night’s Alright 9for fighting) and Corcodile Rock. It’s really hard for me to pick a favorite, but he crowd was really into Bennie & the Jets; however, his piano playing in Someone Saved My Life Tonight is something I will never forget. Unfortunately you had to be there to appreciate it, but during certain parts of the song, the reverb and volume of the piano were cranked WAY up and it sent chills through my spine to hear it. I felt privileged to hear it.
There was a video montage during «Goodbye Yellow Brick Road» that showcased his life from his early days in Los Angeles, to two men atop a wedding cake, to two boys that I assume are he and his partner’s sons. He also dedicated the song «I Guess That’s Why They Call it The Blues» to New Orleanian pianist and composer Allen Toussaint, which was a nice touch.
It’s amazing how fast three hours can go by, but this was an epic show and he is most certainly deserving of the title SIR Elton John. I am definitely a huge fan now and am glad that I got to see this legend live in concert. Even if you are not a big fan, go and see him live in concert if the opportunity presents itself.
Check out the set list:
1. Funeral for a Friend/​Love Lies Bleeding
2. Bennie & the Jets
3. Candle in the Wind
4. Grey Seal
5. Levon
6. Tiny Dancer
7. Holiday Inn
8. Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
9. Believe
10. Philadelphia Freedom
11. Roy Rogers
12. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
13. Rocket Man
14. Hey Ahab
15. I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues
16. The One
17. Oceans Away
18. Someone Saved My Life Tonight
19. Sad Songs (Say So Much)
20. All the Girls Love Alice
21. Home Again
22. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me
23. I’m Still Standing
24. The Bitch is Back
25. Your Sister Can’t Twist (But She Can Rock ‘n’ Roll)
26. Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)
27. Your Song
28. Crocodile Rock