Elton John’s the complete package

OPINION

“It’s a little bit funny, this feeling inside...”

Those are the opening lyrics to my favourite Elton John song, Your Song, which he first recorded back in 1970.

It’s incredible to think that was almost 50 years ago.

So, anyone who went to his recent concert, as part of a farewell tour, would have been full of expectations.

And I was one of them.

The Yellow Brick Road Tour began its Australian leg in Perth with two sell-out audiences.

I was fortunate enough to attend the best concert of its type I have seen, but that’s if you are an Elton John fan, of course.

Well, going on the success of his appearances in Perth, the man has a massive following.

From the moment Elton hit the stage with his very talented band, everyone was captured in the moment.

From firm favourites like Crocodile Rock and Tiny Dancer, to classics such as Border Song and Levon, Reginald Dwight (aka Elton John) had us all in the palm of his hand.

To be honest, I like music but I’m no aficionado.

What I mean is, I’ve never had a vinyl collection, and often could not tell you who sings a song, yet when I hear something I like, I’ll let you know.

There are a few exceptions, though.

Constant musical companions during my life can probably be narrowed down to Elton John and Billy Joel.

In more recent times I have expanded to include Robbie Williams. Why these three?

Well, despite liking their music, they have created a footprint that is somewhat uniquely their own.

And the songs are a reflection of the artists, themselves. You could say it’s the whole package.

Back to the concert ...

I would have enjoyed the show anyway, but what Elton and his team put together was simply top-shelf.

At a lot of similar performances, there would be an hour of a support act and a number of new, unknown songs the singer wants to put out there.

On this night, EJ and his team created an atmosphere that just made you feel good inside as he rolled out hit after hit after hit.

Eventually, all good things come to an end and the 31/2-hour extravaganza finally finished.

As he walked off-stage, we applauded, but something was missing.

“Elton, Elton, Elton, Elton!”

The crowd eventually were rewarded when he returned to the piano, for an encore.

And that’s when he played it... Your Song, with everyone on their feet and dancing.

“And you can tell everybody this is your song,

It may be quite simple but now that it’s done

I hope you don’t mind

I hope you don’t mind

That I put down in words

How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.”

Thank you, EJ.

***

Peter Fiorenza is the host of SHL Sunday 10am to noon on Radio MAMA in Geraldton, WA.