Fan report and photos by Walter Weiler.

I have been at the amazing solo concert on the July 13, 2003 in Nimes, and was looking forward to this event in the much smaller city of Montauban. On the way down, I was not really sure, if the concert would take place, because the sky was quite dark, and sometimes it started to rain.

After a few hours drive I arrived early enough (6.00 pm) to find a parking for my car, and could enter the area “JARDIN DES PLANTES” where the concert should start at 9.00 pm. The park was not that huge and after 3 minutes walk, I passed the entrance to the “SAPIAC STADIUM” – not very big, but rather intimate.

After entering the area (without big security checks), the stage was on the left side and seats (about 60 rows) have been on the right side, in a flat, gated area – outside the gate, people had the possibility to listen to the event, in standing position.

There were about 3,000 fans waiting for the start of the concert – as well having some snacks and drinks – everything was looking like a big party in the garden. The same area has been used for a daily jazz festival which lasted a few weeks already. The weather got better during the waiting time, and there was no risk any longer that the event would stop.

9.00 pm: Elton arrived on the scene, and the crowd gave him a very warm welcome – much warmer, than in the huge stadium of Nimes. Elton, was wearing a pink suit, and a black T-shirt, which suited him excellent! He seemed to be slightly distracted, maybe for several reasons – maybe because this was his last concert before the summer vacation.

As usual he started with "Your song" and a very short intro.

Elton spoke French only, and this was very much appreciated by his fans. They would have started to cry, if he would have played as well "The Marseillaise" as an intro before playing any of his songs. His set list was a little shorter than in Nimes. The concert lasted 2 1/2 hours – and presented most of the songs Elton played at the concert in Nimes.

There has been a lot of highlights for his fans – which have not been really "experienced fans" – knowing all of his songs, therefore only some titles have been recognised by the crowd, listening to the first accords.

"Daniel", "Rocket man", "I’m still standing" and "Sacrifice" have been the well known hits – but the top was when he played "Crocodile rock" – I would say 80 % started to sing the refrain "la la la la".

"Candle in the wind" was as well appreciated a lot by the audience – and a lot of people took put their lighters, holding it highlighted above their heads.

His fans gave him at least five standing ovations for minutes, they have been amazed by his performance indeed!

There was almost no security in front of the stage (thank God, I was able to take my pictures) – and therefore, people have been running to the stage in the last part of the concert. Elton signed a few cards, within a few minutes – but people who attended the show, took this very gratefully – they gave him a good feeling, I suppose.

In general, it was like a huge party, with a big family – and all the fans have been watching their star. The concert ended at 11.35 pm after Elton gave one encore in a white jogging dress, and left.

Following is the complete set list of the Montauban show on July 23, 2003:

• Your Song
  
• Border Song
  
• The One
  
• Someone Saved My Life Tonight
  
• Ballad Of The Boy In Red Shoes
  
• Daniel
  
• Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
  
• Honky Cat
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I'm Still Standing
  
• Ticking
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• I Want Love
  
• Sacrifice
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Candle In The Wind
  
• Moon River
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
  
• Carla/Etude
  
• Tonight
  
• Take Me To The Pilot
  
• Bennie And The Jets
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
  
• Circle of Life

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