‘I love to go to every Elton John concert I can because each one is different,' says Mark Underwood, a die-hard fan living in Dubai
He has been to 84 Elton John concerts around the world. Yet Mark Underwood was among the first to book tickets for the legendary singer's concert in Abu Dhabi.
"I love to go to every concert I can because each one is different. Since I moved to Dubai three years ago I have been waiting for him to perform in this region and this concert is a dream come true for me," said Underwood.
"My 12-year-old son Matthew is coming with me. We plan to be there well before the doors open and will be right up in the front. I am excited because his whole band is playing with him here," he said a day before the concert.
Underwood, who works in the IT department of an international bank, has been an Elton fan since his teens.
"I bought my first Elton album, Madman across the Water, in 1974 and the first Elton concert I attended was at Earl's Court, London, in 1976. I paid just £2.50 (Dh17.90) for the ticket," he reminisced.
Birthday win
Since then he has travelled all over the UK and to Paris, Brussels, Tokyo, New York and Las Vegas to watch his favourite singer perform live and has many wonderful memories.
"In 2001 I got a chance to meet Elton backstage before the concert. And last year I was lucky to win a ticket in an online competition for his 60th birthday concert at Madison Square Garden in New York.
"I flew down especially for the show. It is the best venue in the world and the concert was fantastic because he was in a great mood and performed for three and a half hours," said Underwood.
Over the years Underwood has amassed a huge collection of Elton memorabilia. This includes every Elton LP, CD, single and concert recording as well as Elton books, videos, DVDs, posters, t-shirts, hats, mugs, concert programmes and song books.
His concert tickets and his collection of Elton autographs have been carefully framed and are proudly displayed along with the other memorabilia in a room in his home.
Prized possession
Underwood's prized possession is Elton's personal collection of 52 backstage passes spanning four decades, which includes his pass from the Live Aid concert. "I bought it for £200 (Dh1,437) at an auction at Sotheby's," he said.
Another favourite is an autographed poster from Elton's 2002 Dubai concert that his sister presented him. "Every item in my collection evokes special memories and I have never considered selling any of it," said Underwood.
"My wife is not impressed with the money I spend on memorabilia, but she is also an Elton fan and has attended several concerts with me," he added with a smile.
Underwood loves Elton's style, from his flashy looks in the 1970s and '80s to his more sober current look.
"But for me the true Elton magic is his wonderful music and Bernie Taupin's beautiful lyrics. Like millions of people around the world, I love the songs because I can relate to them.
"It is amazing how the two continue to churn out such classic albums. Their music is timeless and the fact that Elton's concerts continue to sell out around the world says it all," said Underwood.
"He has entertained us for over four decades and long may he continue. I am looking forward to attending my 100th Elton concert," he added.
Read Mark Underwood's opinion of the Abu Dhabi
Memories
Mark Underwood's best memories:
- 1998 - Elton John and Billy Joel in concert at the Tokyo Dome
- 2000 - meeting Elton backstage before his solo concert at Woburn Abbey stately home in the UK
- 2002 - gala charity concert at the Royal Opera House with Elton, his band and Royal Academy of Music
Symphony Orchestra and Choir - 2006 - Elton's famous Red Piano show at Caesars Palace Colosseum, Las Vegas
- 2007 - Elton's 60th birthday show at Madison Square Garden, New York.
