Fan report by Matt Issacs.

After the unbelievable high of the Christmas shows at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2004, I was ready to see Mr John play a Stadium show. He and that band tore the place down last night!

I was lucky enough to have 9th row seats right at the centre of stadium. It was a lovely sunny day, and Lulu gave an energised and fun filled performance as the support act backed by a very hot little band featuring ex Elton keyboard player Mark Taylor on board.

Things hit fever pitch when renowned Bolton comedian Peter Kay came on introducing Elton and encouraged a sing-a-long of his recent number one re-make of “Amorillo”, before our main man took to the stage.

They opened with "Pinball Wizard" which already had the stadium shaking. A jaunty and fierce "Bennie and the Jets" followed before changing pace of a soaring "Daniel" and a sturdy "Turn the lights out when you leave".

"Take me to the Pilot" was performed more like the 70’s live version than recent reading, especially with gospel slow verse, but still Bob Birch excelled on the outro as always!

However, better was to come with "Rocket Man". Davey added some real scorching Fender strat touches to the second part of the track. John is really becoming a real percussionist extraordinaire. He really brought his talents out in this song.

"I Guess That’s Why They Call it The Blues" and "Sacrifice" were perfect anthem for a stadium gig. "Electricity" went down extremely well and destined to become a big hit not to mention a future standard.

Elton dedicated a heart-wrenching "Sorry seems to be the hardest word" to Ray Charles. This was a calm before the storm when "Funeral For a friends" haunting intro ascended, paving the grounds for thunderous "Love lies bleeding". Nigel really went to town here. The voice of Altanta joined the troops from now on in. "Are you ready for love" and "Philadelphia” Freedom" had us all dancing in the aisles. “All that I’m Allowed” and "They Call her the Cat" added a real intimacy and freshness, whilst it was lovely to hear "Sad Songs" for the first time since 'The One' tour, especially with Nigel.

"Levon" and "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on me" were played with maximum fire and passion, then it’s time to rock. Predictably, everyone went beserk to "I’m Still Standing". By the time of "The Bitch is Back" and "Saturday Night’s Alright" Elton had us all in the palm of his hands, standing on the piano, and jamming with Davey. All 26,000 of us were in heaven!

Encore time was upon us and we all sang ourselves silly to "Crocodile Rock", and we said our reluctant farewell during an emotional "Your Song". This was a concert no one wanted to end. I will now have to wait until October. Viva Las Vegas ...

Following is the complete setlist of the Bolton show on June 5, 2005:

• Pinball Wizard
  
• Bennie and the Jets
  
• Daniel
  
• Turn the Lights Out When You Leave
  
• Take Me To The Pilot
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
  
• Sacrifice
  
• Electricity
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Funeral For a Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Are You Ready For Love
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• All That I'm Allowed
  
• They Call Her The Cat
  
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
  
• Levon
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• I'm Still Standing
  
• The Bitch is Back
  
• Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
• Your Song

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