Elton John, Auckland NZ, 2020

Elton John

16th February 2020
Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by Doug Peters.

“I’ve only been interested in the artistic side of life”

A singular quote emblazoned in large pink lettering on a page of sunshine yellow; ten little words that quintessentially sum up the legendary artist that is Sir Elton John. His Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour seeing the master himself share his myriad of work with his fans around the world, one last time. And like any of the greats, it is the littlest of touches that makes these shows something truly quite exceptional.

From the specifically built stage, simplistic in style but hiding a trick or two up its sleeve, to the golden shoes on Elton’s feet that caught the late afternoon light of the Auckland summer’s day as he strode towards his seat at his beloved Yamaha Disklavier piano; each and every moment of his outstanding show is artistry in itself.

Accompanied by his six piece band – several of whom have been with Elton since the 1970’s – he began with a statement, the opening notes of ‘Bennie and the Jets’, deliberately drawn out just enough to make the entire stadium quiver with excitement before the septet burst into life, multi-coloured neon visuals cascading from the screens surrounding them. Magnificently ostentatious in its very own right, its conclusion saw the audience erupt, Elton himself jumping to his feet, his gold trimmed tailcoat sparkling as he raised his hands in the air and celebrated the song, indeed the creation itself, right along with them.

A second track from his 1973 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album in the form of ‘All the Girls Love Alice’ soon followed, the cameras panning slowly over the band, the audience watching in awe as the great Nigel Olsson smiled from behind his drum kit without missing a beat, guitarist Davey Johnstone, who has been with Elton since 72’, flanking him on the left. But as the song came to an end, the crowd once again applauding with gusto, came the news from Elton that no one wanted to hear; he had just that morning been diagnosed with “walking pneumonia”.

Ever the consummate performer, he rallied as fans audibly expressed sounds of concern, his determination to give it everything he had clearly evident to all as he continued on with ‘I Guess That’s Why they Call it the Blues’, candid photos from Martin Parr – a personal favourite of Elton’s who as a voracious collector owns many of his original prints – forming a moving tableau behind him. This was a celebration of not only Elton’s music, but his life, each and every track offering up a glimpse of what makes up the essence of arguably one of the greatest musicians of today. From the story of how thrilled he was that the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin had chosen to cover ‘Border Song’ through to the Max Weiland short film that played during ‘Tiny Dancer’ chosen personally by Elton himself for its archetypal depiction of LA, there were treasures to be discovered around every corner.

Inclusivity and diversity had a light shone upon it during ‘Philadelphia Freedom’ as pastel clothed dancers conveyed their message through sheer physicality on screen, stunning visuals of cold blue mountains and glistening water soon replacing it as Elton spoke with reverence and love of his friend and collaborator of the last fifty-three years Bernie Taupin; his solo rendition of the epic ‘Indian Sunset’ taken to new heights as he was joined on stage by his percussionist, the incomparable Ray Cooper, whose sheer enjoyment was tangible, his theatrics delightful as he appeared to appeal to the very spirits themselves. But the skies were beckoning, ‘Rocket Man’ taking one and all into the stratosphere one last time, Elton symbolically bidding farewell to the life of a man isolated by his travels, not with regret but with gratitude.

Fingers taking flight across the keys, the cameras often lingering on them so that the entire stadium was able to witness the magic being conjured for themselves, ‘Take Me to the Pilot’ from his eponymous sophomore record shook the very ground with its wild and free, rock n roll vibes and psychedelic colours. But there are two sides to every coin, Elton’s very own story one of both intimacy and heartache, ‘Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word’ speaking to this, as the stage shifted to a palette of monochrome, Elton harmonising with the evocative backing vocals provided by John Mahon. Salvation itself heralded within the lines of ‘Someone Saved my Life Tonight’ as charming Alan Aldridge animations cavorted about, an ode to Elton’s favourite album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.

But fate it would seem was conspiring against the very king of song, as Elton signalled for assistance; breaths caught in throats, Auckland looked on as once again Elton mustered the strength to continue, ‘Levon’ an absolute triumph of sight and sound, musical director Johnstone taking his cue and laying down the riffs as Elton played his Yamaha unfettered, threading in the instantly recognisable ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting’. Confessing that he did not know how much longer he could go on, Elton performed ‘Candle in the Wind’ to David LaChapelle’s short film depicting Marilyn Monroe’s last photo session with Bert Stern, as his fans clung to his every word.

Despite an extended break from the stage, Elton bravely returning from a costume change into a feline embossed, powder blue suit for ‘Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding’, it was all too much, Elton had nothing left to give as ‘Daniel’ came to an abrupt end before it even had the chance to begin. Hoarsely whispering his apologies, Elton broke down in tears, the collective heart of his audience breaking for him. Here was a man who had given his life to his followers, his desire to share with them his gifts one last time thwarted, his heart like theirs broken too.

The stadium rose to its feet, their outpouring of love and appreciation escorting him from the stage. There was no resentment, only well wishes and deep affection.

Hanging in the cool evening air, two final words, these from Auckland to Elton; thank you.

Elton John – photo by Doug Peters

Were you there at Mount Smart Stadium for this emotional show on this farewell tour? Or have you seen Elton John perform live somewhere else? Tell us about it in the comments below!

DUE TO SICKNESS ELTON JOHN’S REMAINING NEW ZEALAND CONCERTS WILL NOW BE POSTPONED UNTIL JANUARY 2021. FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK POST HERE.

Setlist:

1. Bennie and the Jets
2. All the Girls Love Alice
3. I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues
4. Border Song
5. Tiny Dancer
6. Philadelphia Freedom
7. Someone Saved My Life Tonight
8. Indian Sunset
9. Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time)
10. Take Me to the Pilot
11. Levon
12. Candle in the Wind
13. Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
14. Daniel [abandoned due to illness]

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