I honestly can't profess to be Elton John's biggest fan. In fact, I had no plans to go to his last scheduled performance in Tampa almost a year ago. When it was postponed due to an ear infection, it bought me the time I apparently needed to see "Rocket Man" and get inspired to get the credit card out. This would be my first Elton concert and, unfortunately, my last. I got to the Elton John party too late, but fortunately enjoyed the experience for one night. When ticket prices plummeted on concert day yesterday, it was the kick in the butt I needed to see a true legend. Elton was tenacious on piano, gracious to his fans and went out with a bang in an onslaught of Q105 hits. Here were the 5 moments that stuck out for me.
Note 1 of Bennie and The Jets
There was no opening act. When the lights dimmed at Amalie Arena shortly after 8pm, Elton popped up out of nowhere and slammed his fingers on a series of keys on piano to strike one unmistakable note to kick off the show with "Bennie and The Jets." He paused to let the Tampa crowd scream with delight before striking the keys for the next note. Then another pause before a 2 plus hour set of hits began. Many often arrive fashionably late to concerts. Not this night. By 8pm, nearly every seat was taken.
Turning Amalie Arena into a Piano Bar
It was a sing along all night. Amalie Arena was one giant karaoke party from the first note of Bennie and The Jets to iconic hits like "The Bitch Is Back," "Candle In The Wind," "I'm Still Standing," "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me," and especially "Crocodile Rock" where the Amalie Arena crowd la la la'd a little off key.
Elton's gracious thank you to Tampa for 5 decades of support
Elton John: "You bought the 45s, the albums, the 8 tracks, the horrible cassettes, the CDs, the DVDs and the merchandise but more importantly you bought a ticket to the show. If there's one thing I enjoy more than making records and writing songs is to be able to play to another human being and get a response. I will never forget you. You're in my soul and every fiber of my being. I want to thank you from this very humble Englishman to all you great Americans out there, I love you guys, thank you."
Rocket Man Lyric Liberties
It's something I didn't even notice until I was scrolling through photos and videos from my phone when I got home. Elton completely botched the lyrics to one of his most iconic hits, "Rocket Man." He mixed up the first verse and sang "On such a tiiiiii... as a kite by then." We were all so mesmerized and caught up in the moment, I doubt many even noticed.
The walk down the Yellow Brick Road
Elton's goodbye was dramatic as he left the stage waiving to the crowd after performing the last song he'll ever play in Tampa, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."
Thank you Elton!
Sorry I was late to the party. Now comes the decision on whether or not to do the road trip to Elton's last Florida concert next year in Jacksonville. Decisions decisions.
