Thursday 15 November 2012

The rocket man wows with hits and glitz


Thursday November 15, 2012

Elton John aboard the piano at Canberra Stadium, Bruce. Photo: Melissa Adams

by Stephanie Anderson


There's nothing understated about Elton John, and his performance at Canberra Stadium on Wednesday was no exception.


Taking the stage in a sequined blue suit emblazoned with the word ''fantastic'', the 65-year-old singer took fans through a number of favourites including Benny and the JetsTiny Dancer and Believe.


Accompanied by his band and occasionally the crowd, Sir Elton sang and joked with the audience.


''Last time I was here, you had more rain than you had for the last 45 years,'' he said. He also spoke about playing to the 80,000 strong crowd in New York following 9/11.


''None of us who played there will ever forget it,'' he said.


Fans gathered from as far as Western Australia and Queensland to listen to the legendary musician as he celebrated the 40-year anniversary of his single Rocket Man.


Concert-goers also took the opportunity to get in costume. Among the expected 12,000 audience members were numerous fans adorned in sequined jackets, glittery glasses and multicoloured tuxedoes.


Support act Croatian cello duo Stjepan Hauser and Luka Sulic. Photo courtesy Loudwire

Wednesday's performance also included guest acts, including Croatian cello duo Stjepan Hauser and Luka Šulić, who kicked off with crowd-pleasing covers of Michael Jackson, Nirvana and AC/DC, later joining Elton's band for the entire concert.


The tour continues in Sydney on Thursday and Friday before heading to Launceston next week.


First published at The Canberra Times, November 15, 2012