Elton John review. McDiarmid Park, 6 july 2008.

photo by J.Baker.


Sunday Night Is Alright For Elton:

You know how they talk about old school pro's being able to work an audience, construct a set, project there personality and fill every corner of the auditorium? Well never a truer word could be said about Elton John. The man is an icon, as soon as the short figure enters with that trademark waddle, you know you're going to get a show. Not the warmist of July nights but the rain held off (always a bonus at an outside concert). His set started at a leisurely pace as you sensed this was just things warming up, his voice sounds stronger than ever since his throat operation which has also given him a lower tone, (tenor to baritone) Elton is one of the few who's voice has got better as he has got older. He genuinely seemed happy to be there, was engaging in his banter and was only too happy to don the odd hat thrown onto the stage. Soon the hits were flowing fast and furious, the crowd were singing & dancing in the aisles and as the night darkened the light show came into it's own. The band were excellent with Scottish guitarist Davey Johnstone getting the loudest cheer of the introductions! The evening climaxed with an encore of two favourites, "Pinball Wizzard" & "Your Song" it was worth the wait and even with the total running time well over two hours, it was over before you knew it.
This was Elton's only Scottish date in a tour that takes in Venice, Las Vegas, Paris and London and with it also being the debut concert held at McDiarmid Park, most of the audience were only too appreciative to have witnessed this little piece of local history.
The only negative for Elton is that he backed the wrong horse in the recent US Democrat Presidential candidate election but then again he is a Watford fan! "Oh when the saints ...."