Fan report by RAS.

I'm seventeen and this was my first Elton John concert - I was determined to see the man known for being one of the most prodigious hit makers and most spectacular show men around. And he certainly didn't dissapoint! Far from it: Elton's gig was the best I have ever been to, and certainly far better than any of the modern acts around who seem to think they garner mystique by lamely trotting out their latest releases.

He began by entering to some great walk-on music and to a huge standing ovation from the capacity Kassam Stadium crowd, before hammering into an extended version of "Bennie and the Jets". Immediately afterwards came a very well-received swooping "Philadelphia Freedom" and a song I hadn't heard before, "Believe".

"Daniel" got the audience swaying in time, and a huge and majestic "Rocket Man" (with some pretty hardcore rock in the middle) was one of the moments of the night. "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" with a swinging coda was popular, and the new songs he played (particularly the second) were terrific and have prompted me and my friends to buy the album.

"The One", another song I wasn't familiar with, was a gem and "Take Me To The Pilot" was performed superlatively - Elton was dancing about on stage throughout the song!

A thumping "Love Lies Bleeding" had everyone dancing in the aisles, whilst "Tiny Dancer" captured the shimmering spirit of the evening. "I Want Love" was suitably tough, and "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" was greeted with a stunned silence as Elton sounded every bit the unrequited lover.

On "Sacrifice" we rushed forward to the front of the stage to party to a disco version of "Are You Ready For Love?". "I'm Still Standing" ensured everyone in the stadium was on their feet permanently, whilst "Crocodile Rock" (with Elton encouraging us to sing the refrain twice) sealed the deal.

"The Bitch Is Back" saw EJ jumping from the piano, lying atop it and slamming the piano lid triumphantly whilst his savage rendition of "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" was truly sublime.

To chants of "Elton! Elton!" to man himself reappeared to deliver a sterling "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" and a very moving "Your Song" (which we all sang along to, almost drowning the man himself out!). Elton was a genuine show man, grinning and gurning his way through songs; hammering at the notes whilst standing or leaning right back; leaping onto the piano stool and even piano. The band helped him along marvellously, often playing back to back with him and handing out memorabilia to the crowd.

He didn't just play the stuff either - he clearly improvised his opening to "Take Me To The Pilot" and fiddled with his renditions of various numbers. He was always amusing: he claimed the percussionist bred poodles for a hobby and that the lead guitarist was "currently writing a book titled 'Why Poofs Love Judy Garland'! We laughed along also as he trashed Argentina and Germany, and were genuinely touched when he dedicated "Your Song" to all the fans and made a lenghty autograph sweep. A personality and player who is nigh on impossible to match.

Following is the complete set list of the Oxford show on June 24, 2006.

• Bennie And The Jets
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Believe
  
• Daniel
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
  
• Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
  
• They Call Her The Cat
  
• The One
  
• Take Me To The Pilot
  
• Funeral For A Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• I Want Love
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Sacrifice
  
• Are You Ready For Love
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
• I'm Still Standing
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
  
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• Your Song

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