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Elton John and band performed in Manchester on May 29, 2006
Tuesday, May 30 2006 |
Fan reports by Matt Isaacs and Craig Mallaby.
Well, Elton’s done it again! What a performance. Even the overzealous yellow coats preventing us from going down to the front couldn’t dampen such an overwhelming atmosphere at the M.E.N Arena.
Opening with a thumping “Bennie and the Jets”, followed by a raucous “Philadelphia Freedom”, it was clear this going to be a night to remember. It was billed as greatest hits tour and that’s exactly what we got. Die-hard faves were not forgotten though. Some astounding boogie-woogie piano playing proceeded “Take me to the Pilot”, whilst “Tiny Dancer sounded as emotional as ever.
The more recent ballads made a welcome return to the set. A warm and tender “I Want Love”, a serene “The One”, and tough a Stirling “Believe” demonstrated to the uninitiated that Elton’s great songs weren’t all in the 70’ and 80’s.
Near the end it was time to party. From "Are You Ready For Love” onwards, all of the 20,000 strong audience were on their feet. For the encores the audience turned into choir, especially “Your Song” where they nearly drowned him out.
The band was on top form as usual. Davey was his bluesy inventive self. Nigel was awesome as always. Guy was more audible than ever, and was the star of the show during some tracks especially “Daniel”. Bob kept those bass lines pumping, and Elton what can you say? Showman numero uno of course!
I can’t wait for “Captain and the kid” and more shows like this. Thank you, Elton.
Fan report by Craig Mallaby.
Manchester a proud host of many spectacular events, a city which has held the Commonwealth games and has had alot of success in it's well known squad, Manchester United. Not to mention the home of one of the UK's best loved soaps. All of this sounds exciting but there is one that has made Manchester an ever popular attraction. That is the talent that is Sir Elton John who has prooved a hit in Manchester after selling out the Evening News Arena previously in 2003. Manchester is Elton's UK and Europe's curtain raiser, reminding us all once again that Summer is in the air.
Elton provides his fans with nothing but sheer fun, and you could tell people were urging for the doors of the arena to be opened at 6:30pm to breathe the same air as their beloved idol. Over the past few years he has always given us some pre-show entertainment too, the launch of James Blunts career and a woman that comes a close second when it comes to giving the audience a good time, of course Lulu.
This time Elton gave us a taster of what he likes to listen to, we were welcomed in to the sounds of The Killers while we had time to read the program and familiarise ourselves to the surroundings, before settling to beginning of the show The Stories... usually happen this way (Bad joke :P), but Elton gave us something that we don't often hear a new genre, a new way of listening, and an insight into the inspirations that have lead him to create classics like "Peachtree Road".
After The Stories played their set, we watched the crew set up for the main event, and we got people playing Elton's piano and testing the microphone, "2, 1, 2" and what do you know, an unexpected visit from Peter Kay, who had a huge reception from the crowd, so far so good, Peter even made a comment that he wondered why Elton didn't stick people on the roof! Before welcoming the man himself onstage "Mr Elton John"...
We're all wondering what he will come out to, "Pinball Wizard"?? "Funeral for a Friend"?? Wrong. "Bennie and the Jets", one of many of the stunts keeping us on our toes, the surprises made the show even more enjoyable. Although we were missing "Crocodile Rock", it didn't seem to spoil the atmosphere, and we were treat to hidden treasures like "Believe" and "The One". Elton kept in a couple of numbers from Peachtree as well "I Want Love" from "Songs from the West Coast", before bringing us hit after hit, the songs that keep you moving, keep you smiling and give you the upmost of energy like "Are you Ready for Love", "I'm Still Standing", "The Bitch is Back" and "Saturday Night's Alright (for Fighting)".
The end of the night was like a breaking up from a love one, trying to let them down gently with "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" and "Your Song" which the crowd sang in unison. No matter who you were if you were there you were left with a night to remember.
Following is the complete set list of the Manchester show on May 29, 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
- Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
- Sacrifice
- Are You Ready For Love
- I'm Still Standing
- The Bitch Is Back
- Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
- Sad Songs (Say So Much)
- Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
- Your Song
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