Concert review — Elton John puts on a stellar show for a huge Roanoke Civic Center crowd
Elton John mugs for the fans during "Bennie and the Jets" | Photos by Jeanna Duerscherl, The Roanoke Times
See more of Jeanna Duerscherl’s photos from the show at our Vignette blog.
CORRECTIONS: Elton John’s Thursday night concert at Roanoke Civic Center included a performance of “Candle in the Wind.” The title was incorrect in Friday’s concert review. Lisa Stone sang a vocal solo on “Hey Ahab,” a song which was misidentified in the review. Lyricist Bernie Taupin’s last name was misspelled.
By Tad Dickens | 777-6474
By the end of Elton John’s nearly three-hour concert Thursday night at Roanoke Civic Center, there was little doubt about four things.
First, Sir Elton still loves to sing and play piano. Second, he still does both very well, even if he is without access to his once-wonderful falsetto. Third, he strings together a very long but hardly boring show loaded with great backing players and harmony singers.
Fourth — and probably most important to a pop star just 10 days shy of his 65th birthday — he brings big energy and loves the crowd’s response.
On Thursday, he built what felt like a real emotional connection with 10,363 of his newest friends, representing a wide range of ages, who were packed in 360 degrees around the arena.
The connection was solidified only two songs in, as John and his band rocked through “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” and “Bennie and the Jets.” On both, John’s band — including longtime sidemen Nigel Olsson on drums and Davey Johnstone on guitar — nailed the classic codas as John pounded out supercharged, barroom-inspired piano solos.
When the songs ended, John stood, waving, blowing kisses, walking to many points on the stage to acknowledge the crowd around him. They stood, cheering for long periods of time, as he soaked it in on one victory lap after another.
All told, he did it at least 25 times, and still had time to play about 30 songs. And those songs were well-paced. In between the intensity of songs like “Madman on the Water” — which also included some sublime and soulful piano work — and the choppy disco-rock of “Philadelphia Freedom” came mellow, beautiful pop standards such as “Tiny Dancer” and “Goodbye Norma Jean.” “Candle in the Wind.”
Guitarist Davey Johnstone and Elton John onstage Thursday at Roanoke Civic Center
Despite the loss of John’s falsetto, his voice remained a high-quality instrument, capable of conveying all the required musical emotions. And John, who was never one to sing songs the same way every night, has through that practice developed a flexibility and toughness that makes one forget any quibbles.
His voice never sounded tired, even after the work he put in on “Rocket Man,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” and the like. It helped that percussionist John Mahan could cover those high slides. It helped even more that he had four female harmony singers that included Sly Stone kin Rose Stone and Lisa Stone.
Lisa Stone’s stratospheric work on recent John/Bernie Taubman Taupin/Leon Russell collaboration “Gone To Shiloh” “Hey Ahab” nearly stole the show. But John knows pacing.
Working through “Someone Saved My Life Tonight,” “Honky Cat,” “Daniel” through the encore of “Crocodile Rock” and “Your Song,” he showed that while he and his band are great players, the songs will be the stars long after they, and we, are gone.
Bonus notes — because there just isn’t enough room in print to add everything
2CELLOS, Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, open the show for Elton John
The attendance was among the highest in recent memory for a civic center coliseum show. Part of that is because John’s little-nonsense stage setup allowed seating at all parts of the venue. The other part is that more than 10,000 people in the Roanoke Valley region and beyond wanted to see this hit machine and his killer backing band. [UPDATE 1:02 p.m. 3.15.12: Civic center marketing manager David Aiello said via text message that last night's turnout led to the venues best-ever gross profit. He declined to reveal the take.]
John acknowledged one fan sitting near the front, a man who travels “all over” to see his shows, John said. He dedicated deep cut “I’m Going to Be A Teenage Idol” to that man and two other men near the front, who John told the crowd had been dancing to every song.
“Amazing,” he said.
Also amazing: His band’s performance chops. John is still a whale of a piano player, and his five-piece band and four backup singers were up for every bit of it, the length of the set. The band did crash once — the groove fell apart somehow during Johnstone’s banjo solo on “Honky Cat.” John himself even looked toward the backline, confused at what had happened. But the band recovered by the end, never letting it fall apart so completely it had to stop.
That blip stood in stark contrast to the nail job the act did throughout.
The newest members of the band were the cello duo known as 2Cellos — Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, a couple of Croatian cats who opened the night with a short set that included a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal,” a huge youtube hit for 2Cellos. The pair also covered U2′s “With Or Without You,” Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” [UPDATE 12:58 p.m. 3.15.12: See a snipped of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" on the video below.] and AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell,” all with intensity, precision and dynamic control.
The latter quality came through best on the Nirvana cover, where the duo showed that classical training is easily lent to the “loud, quiet, loud” style of the Kurt Cobain song.
Seriously, you don’t expect this kind of show from a 66 65-year-old guy who surely has all the money he needs. But Sir Elton and his crew did not coast.
March 16, 2012 - 12:14 AM
AWESOME SHOW so many great songs The Bitch is back was a crowd favorite too
The concert was AMAZING!!! Such high energy from Elton John! I was very impressed at how long the concert was and it was a great show from start to finish! I just wish I could have been on the front row!
I thought it was absolutely amazing. A night I will never forget.
Orrie! I was in guest services, writing the review, when the band started into “The Bitch Is Back.” You can’t miss that slashing guitar intro — a Johnstone specialty. Wish I could have been out there to see it, too.
Cindy, I have seen a bunch of concerts over the past few years in that arena, but I have not seen any act there put on that long a show. And I have never seen such a large crowd. Score one for Roanoke Civic Center.
I saw your facebook post, Shannen. I’m glad the show lived up to your expectations! Did Paul get to go?
Paragraph three says 10 days shy of 65th birthday, last paragraph states that he’s 66. Great review otherwise, wish I’d been there! Thanks for the play by play.
Tad,
As far as I know, there is no song called “Goodbye Norma Jean”. The fantastic song that we heard last night was titled “Candle in the Wind”.
Great review otherwise!
Incredible performance! Over 2 1/2 hours of non-stop piano playing and belting out the songs that had over 10,000 fans screaming for more. The energy in the Roanoke Civic Center and the deafening, sustained roar of the crowd reminded us of the Opening Ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta when Muhammed Ali was revealed as the person who would light the Olympic flame. Simply amazing.
Was a great concert. The family had a great time. I wasn’t expecting 3 hours of music and it was a real treat. You know it was fun when you don’t even know three hours has gone by and your still wanting more. Thanks Elton for setting your stage rigging up in a manner that allowed ALL your fans to see you and enjoy the show. And this a few days early, Happy Birthday Elton!!!
It was truly a great show! Hope it won’t be the last for Roanoke.
There I was, standing outside with two extras, thinking about plans for Saturday night, and going back to Tennessee, when up walks a fellow in patchwork at quarter to eight. He needed a miracle since his girl had already scored a floor ticket, and his buddy needed one, too. She happily swapped her floor ticket so they could see the show together. I guess they love each other. Caught a few minutes of the opening string/drum trio going from U2′s “With or Without You” into a blazin’ “Highway to Hell”, headed to the front floor area to enjoy the ride. Apart from all the classics, he played great improv on the piano, didn’t miss a beat when a girl took to the stage waving her bra, he signed autographs from the stage, and rocked it out for three hours non-stop. And he’s in his sixties?! Not since seeing Mick Jagger jumping around with the Rolling Stones at Scott Stadium have I been so hopeful that it is possible to age with a little grace. That kind of energy can’t be bought or sold.
Sir Elton definitely rocked the civic center last night. An absolutely amazing show. I’m so grateful I got to see such a legend and it was beyond my expectations!
An absolutely phenomenal show! Loved the whole old-school concert feel with no intermission. Who needs a break to show off their flashy wardrobe changes and get some refreshment? Not the 65-year old authentic, true ARTIST that Elton John is! Just incredible music and lights until the end – which brought on the old standing/clapping/stomping cries for encore.
There was definitely no age barrier for this show either. We were seated next to an elderly couple who used canes, had college students directly in front of us, and a mother and her young teenage son sat a row away. An interesting, and very “into it” crowd of all ages. Again… a phenomenal show!
OMG! Elton John & his band rocked the packed house. I love the 2 Cello’s players too! I had a so much fun & will never forget last nite.. brought back so many good memories from my younger days!
Probably one of the best Elton shows I’ve seen ever….it marks the 12th time I’ve seen this living legend live. So happy that Roanoke brings such a HUGE name and incredibly long-lasting talent to this area. Elton’s voice is still wonderful…oh and I saw Davey Johnstone walking around downtown yesterday afternoon, talking on his cell phone and holding the door open for a shop owner putting away those two big red “hand” chairs! I stopped and spoke to him, he shook my hand and told me I “have good taste” when I mentioned following the band for so many years! Nice guy…fabulous show, LOVE Elton John.
Thanks for the corrections, Joe and Polly.
Debra, you hit on it with your comment on the variety of ages. EJ definitely transcends generations. Great to see such a huge crowd in the Noke!
“Goodbye Norma Jean”? The song title is “Candle in the Wind”. I would think someone writing a review on a concert would know the song titles. Also, at the beginning you mention that he’s “10 days shy of his 65th birthday”, but at the end you mention that “you don’t expect this kind of show from a 66-year-old guy”. Do a little fact checking and proofreading please, it’s the least you could do for Sir Elton.
In spite of paying top dollar for the tickets and having way too much difficulty finding a parking spot and hour before the show was to begin, all troubles were forgotten as we were swept up in Elton’s magical performance and presence on stage. One of the best shows I’ve ever see, truly a night and experience to remember.
Elton John really delivered the goods to Roanoke. His band was stellar as were the backup singers. I loved how he signed autographs from the stage upon coming back for the encore. That was a very lovely and gracious gesture to his fans up front. He really came across with sweetness and sincerity.
What an AWESOME show! Incredible that Sir Elton can still perform that way! And the band as well. Our fourth Elton show, he remains as great as ever! And the band…OH, MY!!! I thought 2Cellos were amazing! The AC/DC cover, w/ drums, was flat out awesome! Our son was 3rd row/floor and he and his fiancee got autographs!!!
To Damian Salas — already noted and corrected. Squeezing out 15 inches of copy in 20 minutes for print can lead to that sort of thing, as can writing blog notes after midnight, haha.
Damian….relax.
It’s nice to see all these comments. Who but Elton John brings together such a diversity of music lovers? Impressive.
It’s OK, Deb. I’m madder about it than Damian is, haha!
Tad, thanks for a great review. This was my 15th Elton show, and I’ll admit that some shows had gotten “predictable”. The addition of 2Cellos, and the backup singers, and shaking up the song list, really made it a great show. EJ continues to rock. Speaking of “ages”, my daughters (who have been listening to EJ since the womb) went to their first show last night – and at 8 and 5, they had a blast!
It’s great that EJ is willing to shake things up. Fantastic showmanship last night. Glad your daughters enjoyed the show!
Just A Little Correction;Lisa Stone, Vocalist Extraordinaire And Daughter Of Famous Rose Stone, Performed On “Hey Ahab” Not “Gone To Shiloh.” John Mahon Played Drums On ” Highway To H…” With The Two Cellos.
Love To You All!
Sir Elton has said in the past he likes coming to Roanoke because he gets such a great reception. I’m really glad, WE didn’t let HIM down. Maybe some more promoters will take a chance on us. Tremendous show that thrilled us all from teens to AARP fans. It was everything we had hoped. One of the best reviews of a concert I have seen for any act, anywhere.(No, we’re not related.) Thanks!
Wonderful show! The 2Cellos added to the beautiful slow songs with their classical appeal and added the metal bite to the rock and roll songs. It was great to see people of all ages enjoying the show!
Tata, it was a thrill to hear you sing last night. Thanks for sharing that information with me. The tighter my deadline, apparently, the worse I am.
Bernie Taubman would actually be Bernie Taupin!
Saw him a few months back and he still puts on a pretty decent show. Especially liked those new songs off his collaboration with Leon Russell – they stand up to anything he has written.
Only one thing could explain the little errors in this review — http://www.ismercuryinretrograde.com/
Hi, Tad- Thanks for the excellent review, worthy of Sir Elton! You really caught the qualities that have made him a legend. I’ve been following him in concert since ’76, when I was 14, and honestly, I think the shows just get better. And over the 36 years I’ve been chasing him up and down the road, he’s always been so gracious to and appreciative of his audiences. I loved it last night when he let the first 3 rows crowd the stage- made me fell like a kid again.
) Off-beat album cuts like All The Young Girls Love Alice were a major treat, too. (P.S. One super piddly correction- that was John Mahon, not Nigel Olsson, who joined 2Cellos for Highway to Hell.)
This review had such potential…. I’ve been to 22 Elton shows all over the world and it’s so nice when he gets the rave reviews he deserves. However, how can the author make so many mistakes??? Who on earth doesn’t know the name of Candle in the Wind??
In additional to all the mistakes already pointed out…. The name of the brilliant song/Album is Madman ACROSS the Water… not Madman on the Water. And also, Elton’s percussionist spells his name as follows: John MAHON.
Elton gave so much to Roanoke last night and all the fans at the show gave so much back to him….. I hope Elton left the city with the good feelings he had after the show and never had the opportunity to read this article riddled with so many embarrassing mistakes.
A friend of mine knows the two boys dancing to every song in the front row. They are from Franklin County and were invited to the Richmond concert by Sir Elton John to dance in the front row of that concert too. I think they were even pulled up on stage in Richmond (I believe there’s video footage of the Richmond concert on You Tube).
One of those boys is trying to make it as a professional dancer and danced through the first round of last season’s TV show, So You Think You Can Dance. This young man was excited and honored to have met Sir Elton John and shared the stage with him!
Best concert I’ve ever been to. What a great and humble performer. He is truly the master.
Amy – I went to YouTube and viewed the Richmond video. That’s awesome!
I fell in love with Elton John, when I was just six years old. My brother was babysitting my sister and me. There was always music in my house. It was when “Your Song” was played that I thought he was just incredible. 42 years later, I finally grasped the golden opportunity to see him in the Roanoke Civic Center on 3/15; first time in my life. Never got to see him when I was living on Long Island, when he played at Madison Square Garden. I had no doubt whatsoever that he was going to be so phenomenal … an absolute humble gentleman; crowd pleasing doesn’t say enough about Sir Elton John. His 65th birthday is on Sunday, 3/25. Was thrilled when I saw Nigel Olsson’s drums as my husband and I were one of the few that entered the arena. And Davey Johnstone? Oh my God! But the creme de la creme was his piano. His pivotal voice was just incredible and the highs. I wasn’t close to stage at all, but knowing I was in the presence of his wonderful aura was the best experience of my life. I hope he comes back. We all have our favorite songs; mine is High Flying Bird!
Happy 65th Birthday,Elton; I have never smiled for three consistent hours. You have always been and always will be the greatest musician of all times!
From the beginning. Rock cionants a lot of genres and has evolved but at its roots it is still what it is. In the earliest rock and roll styles of the late 1940s and early 1950s, either the piano or saxophone was often the lead instrument, but these were generally replaced or supplemented by guitar in the middle to late 1950s.Anyways ..Elton John is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.He isn’t just a Rock and Roller, he among the A list.Much thanks for the comment.