The Tour Epitomizes Musical Staying Power
Sir Elton John stepped onto the stage to a jubilant, sold-out crowd at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center. The ear-splitting decibel level was so intense that it might as well have been Game 7 of the NBA Finals, with the Sacramento Kings delivering a medieval beatdown to the Golden State Warriors, but I digress. British royalty was in full display, featuring a blinged-out blazer that outshone even the most extravagant of bling.
He kicked off by teasing the crowd with a quick and powerful strike on the piano, a sound immediately recognized as the opening chord of “Bennie and The Jets.” From that moment onward, it was a non-stop thrill as he delivered one musical gem after another.
With thirty albums to his name, not to mention his numerous soundtracks and collaboration albums, everyone has their favorite Elton John song. If you don’t have a favorite Elton John song, therapy might be in order. With so many hits to choose from, it was inevitable that some fans would leave disappointed, their preferred song left unsung. He did his best to please as many fans as possible and offered apologies in advance to those whose favorites didn’t make the cut.
He poured his heart into twenty-four songs, including classics like “I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man,” “Daniel,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” and “Levon.” I had intended to keep track of the entire setlist but found myself getting carried away, either singing along or waving my phone in the air with its light on. A warm and nostalgic feeling washed over me when he sang “The Bitch is Back.” I’ll admit, dating myself a bit, that back in 1974 when the song was released, I struggled to understand the lyrics and was quite upset with Sir Elton until I realized he was saying “back” and not “black.”
The show was devoid of unnecessary fluff or over-the-top fanfare, unless you count the costume change into a stunning black tuxedo jacket adorned with pink peonies and orchids. He peppered the performances with brief anecdotes about his life or the origins of the songs, just enough to keep the audience engaged. These moments reminded me of what it must feel like sitting around an old upright piano while Crazy Uncle Joe does his thing.
A massive video screen adorned the back of the stage, cycling through beautifully shot cinematic images of humanity and life. No gimmicks or elaborate stagecraft were needed when you have a lifetime’s worth of ballads that everyone can connect with.
As much as I enjoy a hot trap beat, today’s performers could learn from the enduring power of the music that Bernie Taupin and Elton John began creating together in 1967. It was heartwarming to see the Golden 1 Arena packed with fans spanning generations, from grandpas with walking canes to stylish young women in thigh-high boots, and everything in between, all gathered to see Elton, who had no need for an opening act.
I sincerely doubt that thirty years from now, in 2049, anyone will be as excited to pay and watch a 71-year-old sing about “face,” “truffle butter,” or “flexing.” Assuming anyone even understands the alternative meanings of those words by then, these songs simply won’t age as gracefully as the lyrics of “Someone Saved My Life Tonight.”
If the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour makes its way to your city, I strongly recommend doing whatever it takes to experience it. Pure artistry is always worth the price of admission, and Elton John’s mastery on display is a “must-see” event.
Eulonda Writes 