Fan report by Filip Arijs.

Elton John performed in the new concert hall in Brussels on December 16, 2013. The set list with no less than 28 songs was very promising. My Dutch friend Arjen, who sat next to me in front row, succeeded to meet Elton backstage and had a little chat. He had asked Elton to replace "The One" by "Nikita", which has been a number one hit in Belgium and Holland.

And then Elton introduced the fabulous cello duo who played two songs ("Smooth Criminal" and "Smells like Teen Spirit") from which I didn’t know it was possible on a cello.

Elton started his part with "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" and the tone was set! Elton rocked with such an enthusiasm that the whole crowd turned wild. It was clearly recognizable that Elton enjoyed the show last night and his band members, too. The highlights for me were "Levon" with an incredible solo, "Rocket Man", which was a new live version with a beautiful intro and the solo in "Sad Songs". With highlights I mean real highlights, because every song was that good and that strong performed that you cannot believe it unless you’ve seen it. Is he old? Hell no, it’s hard to find an artist amongst the young generation with that energy!

I’m sure the highlight for Arjen was "Nikita", because Elton dedicated it to him: “This next song is for my friend Arjen”! And yes, Elton did sing "Nikita", which is always a good choice in both our countries.

With "Oceans Away" Elton thanked those who gave their lifes during World War I and II, these words were very appreciated by everyone. Elton John is also thankful for the happy life he leads while the audience was very thankful for all the love that he’s giving. After every song the audience gave a thunderous ovation! Apart from the 2Cellos Elton was accompanied by four wonderful backing vocals, thanks to them, too.

On our way home I said I hoped we won’t have to wait too long to see him back … and my mother (80!), who came with me, shared that idea! Thank you for the music, thank you for being such a warm person, thank you Elton John!

Following is the complete set list of the Brussels show on December 16, 2013:

1. Funeral For A Friend
   
2. Love Lies Bleeding
   
3. Bennie And The Jets
   
4. Candle In The Wind
   
5. Grey Seal
   
6. Levon
   
7. Tiny Dancer
   
8. Holiday Inn
   
9. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
   
10. Believe
    
11. Philadelphia Freedom
    
12. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
    
13. Rocket Man
    
14. Hey Ahab
    
15. I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
    
16. Nikita (solo)
    
17. Oceans Away
    
18. Someone Saved My Life Tonight
    
19. Sad Songs (Say So Much)
    
20. All The Girls Love Alice
    
21. Home Again
    
22. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
    
23. I'm Still Standing
    
24. The Bitch Is Back
    
25. Your Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock 'n Roll)
    
26. Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
    
27. Your Song
    
28. Crocodile Rock

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