The Red Piano Rolls on - but man is it hot in Vegas in July! Fan report by Rich Joline.

Just days after completing an incredible string of shows in New York, Elton and the band returned to the house that Celine built to continue on with the Red Piano in Las Vegas.

The set list is still the same as the spring time although I sense a change or two coming in the near future.

After playing the Summer Orchestra shows on both sides of the pond, our favorite Sir and his trusty band seemed to enjoy getting back "Rocket Man" and "Bennie and the Jets." Still playing to a full house every night, the boys were tight and sounding great on both Friday and Saturday night.

Elton was very talkative in between songs, swearing to us that he will be as thin as Celine by October after strutting back and forth on the stage.

On July 24, 2004, he stated that he felt like "Rapunzel waiting in the tower all day until it's time to come on stage. Man is it hot!" I'm here to tell you that he is right on - 110 degrees at midday, and 92 at midnight, we all stayed indoors.

But nobody is lacking for something to do in Sin City at any time, so in between shows, I certainly kept busy :).

Highlights for me are still "I Guess That's Why they Call it the Blues" and "Believe". The final four numbers prior to a solo "Your Song" encore are a smashing "Pinball Wizard" jumping right into a rousing "Bitch is Back" and then "I'm still standing." Which of course leads to the whole reason to break your bank, by tickets and fly to Vegas - the chance to jump on stage for "Saturday Night's Alright..."

Folks, as I have said before, if you are reading this, the thrill would be the same for you as it is for me, and I have done it six times already. I mean really, you are right there at the climax to the whole show! I am not too embarrassed to let anybody know the only reason I have gone through all the trouble to get there from New York three times this year is for those three minutes of absolute ecstasy! I think the guys in the band think I'm nuts (Bobby Birch does give me a funny look sometimes - but Guy always smiles) but hey, they are there - and so am I.

Saturday's experience was extra exciting as a half dozen boa-clad and clearly intoxicated ladies in tight skirts virtually swarmed the piano. The LA Swat body guards had to act quickly to keep things from getting too out of control but it was all real cool - and Elton loved it! Never missed a beat - even Detroit's best bassist rocked steady as the ladies were standing and stumbling on his mark. Man it was so much fun!!

Can't wait to go back - look for me if you get the chance. I'm usually the first one on the stage!

The set list:

• Bennie And The Jets
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Believe
  
• Daniel
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• I Want Love
  
• Candle In The Wind
  
• Pinball Wizard
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• I'm Still Standing
  
• Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Your Song

Back to Headlines