In today's issue
Slow but steady
Grammy Award-winner Sir Elton John had a slow start to his Abu Dhabi debut concert, but eventually got his fans up and dancing.
- By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:06 January 24, 2008
- Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News
- Sir Elton John had a slow start to his Abu Dhabi debut concert, but eventually got his fans up and dancing.
The Elton John concert took time to warm up - but was great when it did
Grammy Award-winner Sir Elton John had a slow start to his Abu Dhabi debut concert, but eventually got his fans up and dancing.
More than 15,000 people packed the venue at Emirates Palace and waited patiently for Elton to appear on stage.
The atmosphere was buzzing and reached a peak at around 9pm with friends, families, couples and groups dancing and laughing in anticipation of his first song. But unfortunately John seemed to almost kill the mood from the outset.
Drawn out
Amazing piano and vocals were always a given but the Academy Award-winner opened with a particularly drawn out instrumental which had people waiting for the first line in order to catch a clue at what the song even was.
But with more than 45 albums under his belt fans agreed among themselves it must be hard choosing songs to suit everyone in the crowd - especially when said fans are aged 8 to 88.
Musical genius
Martin Clubb bought concert tickets for his wife to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary.
Abu Dhabi residents for more than four years, he said: "I wouldn't say I was disappointed but it just seemed to take a while to get going. Elton will always be a musical genius in the eyes of most so maybe because of that we expect too much. No matter what, the concert was still amazing and I wouldn't have missed it for the world."
Disappointment
Charlie Peckington, 29, attended the concert with five girlfriends. A nurse in the capital city, she said: "The organisation of this concert has been the most impressive thing.
"I have never been to such a well-organised event. Everything has been so easy from parking to wristbands, toilets and drinks. Such a nice surprise. Just a shame about Elton! He was a bit of a disappointment."
But it wasn't all bad reviews as hundreds of people danced and bopped to the old favourites from the '70s and '80s.
Best time
Sue Treble, 57, a teacher from Dubai, said she had the best time of her life and wished the concert had never ended.
"He did play some of the more obscure songs but I wasn't really that bothered as I'm pretty sure I know every word to every song he has ever sung! I thought the concert was amazing and wish I could go all over again."
Bouncing on stage wearing a black tails jacket, covered in pink embroidered flowers, Elton was sporting his usual red-tinted sunglasses and diamond earrings.
Big smiles
Sir Elton and his band played for an impressive two hours and 40 minutes with no break (not even to speak to the crowd, much to the disappointment of fans) covering famous hits such as Candle in the Wind, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, I Guess that's why they Call it the Blues, Sacrifice, Tiny Dancer, Bennie and the Jets, Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word, Circle of Life and Madman.
But it was only after two hours and the real favourites made an appearance that people seemed to get into things. Crocodile Rock got everyone up and dancing along with Rocket Man.
But credit where credit is due - Elton performed for almost three hours with many a big smile for his adoring audience. And as the evening drew to a close he still didn't give in, appearing back on stage for Don't let the Sun Go Down on Me and Your Song.
Special show
Mark Underwood, Elton John fan, says what made the show special:
- The backdrop of the Emirates Palace Hotel made for a very unique venue. We arrived at the show at 5pm (time of doors opening) to secure the very best front stage view.
- Being interviewed live on Radio 2 prior to the show sharing that this was my 85th elton show....the DJ was stunned!
- Elton's stage presence continues to amaze me tour after tour, show after show.....vocals and piano playing were top class and he did sing my favourite song, Someone Saved My Life Tonight.
- My wife (Angie) and son (Matthew, age 12) enjoyed every minute... Matthew particularly loved being able to interact with Elton and the band being that close to the stage. He managed to get one of Davey Johnstone's guitar picks which makes for a good concert souvenir.
- Opportunity to meet and talk with other fans.
Quick bio
Birth name: Reginald Kenneth Dwight
Date of birth: March 25, 1947
Awards: Five Grammy Awards, one Academy Award
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