Elton John performed during the Philadelphia Freedom Concert outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia on July 4, 2005.

Elton headlined the free concert to celebrate America's Independence and raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. He was joined by rocker Bryan Adams and Patti Labelle.

Fan report by Marian Joy Friedman

As a volunteer for the event, we had all access badges for the ball and then tickets for the concert. It was huge. The ball was a lot of fun. Lots of food and drink and an assortment of entertainers including the Philadelphia boys choir who sang "Circle of Life".

Elton and Billie Jean King came on stage at the ball to thank everyone and then it was my job to escort the boys choir back towards the green room where I saw Elton maybe a yard away. Why I didn't shake his hand, I will never know but I didn't want to impose.

It was quickly after this that he was surrounded and forced into photos with various people. It was a mob scene and as Elton's people guided Elton towards the green room, the mob followed him. It brought to mine Justin Timberlake in "This Train Don't Stop Here Anymore". It was overwhelming for me. I can only imagine what it was like for Elton and his people.

Then onto the concert. The entire city of Philadelphia seemed to come out for the show. Masses and masses of people. We were fortunate to have tickets for the show so our seats were guaranteed for us - 18th row. Not bad.

Before the concert began, there was a parade and it was broadcast live on Philadelphia channel 6. Because of the parade, the concert began an hour late. It kicked off with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops with the National Anthem and God Bless America. Then there was a video announcement from newscaster Walter Cronkite followed by the Hosts Bruce (something) and Wayne Brady. They introduced Bryan Adams who performed 4 songs.

Wayne Brady introduced Rufus Wainwright who performed twpo songs then Peter Nero and the Philly Pops did two medleys. The hosts came out once again to introduce Patti Labelle - she did two songs with some improvision. Very good. Her gown was gorgous. She was looking mightly fine for a 61 year old!

The hosts came out again and then Billie Jean took the stage to thank everyone for coming out for the cause. Then there was an "Enduring Vision" video announcement from the Elton John Aids Foundation in which Elton said amongst other things, "We must give people hope". The hosts came on again and introduced Elton and his band. Elton thanked the city of Philadelphia for being the "first city in the world to do anything like this". Later he remarked "I want to make AIDS history" and vanish the desease all together.

After the show, there was a huge fireworks display and I mean huge and then the crowds just walked to where ever they had to go. Roads were blocked off for pedestrians only. Truth be told, it was a little chaotic but overall, a great day and evening the the city of Philadelphia and another great show. Elton never fails us.

Following is the set list of Elton's free concert in Philadelphia on July 4, 2005:

• The Bitch Is Back
  
• Bennie And The Jets
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Philadelphia Freedom

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