Fan report by Mark Giles.

Having been to both of Elton's solo shows at Hampton Court last month ,I was really looking forward to seeing him again in another picturesque setting at Powderham Castle near Exeter.

It was a picnic style event which meant an early start, so that so that when the gates opened a "prime position" could be obtained. I'd driven the 180 miles to the Castle the previous night so I was able to queue with friends, at the gates with my picnic and chairs just after 12.00 noon.

When the gates opened at 3.00 pm, it was a mad sprint of around 300 yards (up hill, then down) to get a position right in front of Elton's piano.

Elton was the first major artist to perform at this event, and it was expected that up to 14,000 people would be attending.

Already,the security staff were showing their inexperience at staging a major event ,as they tried to make as go back to the gate from the stage because a "Health and safety certificate " hadn't been signed.

It was lovely to be able to walk around the grounds and chat to different people in what was initially a relaxed atmosphere.

The weather got better during the afternoon and by the time Elton came on at 7.30 pm the sun was shining (in his eyes). Elton wore a blue suit with his blue tinted wrap a round glasses.

The crowd, already having a good time, were one of the most vocal I have seen in a solo show. Elton was in a good mood right from the start and seemed to revel in the their mood. Each song was applauded enthusiastically, and Elton smiled and grinned away, sometimes posing for the odd photograph.

As the evening progressed, this proved to be a pain for us at the front as more and more people came down to take pictures. As the show progressed, it was obvoius that the security could not handle the volume of people trying to push in from the sides and down the centre isle.

Elton's security man had a nightmare job trying to maintain order at the front, and I must congratulate him on his efforts.

Elton's voice was as good as I've heard it recently (no rasping early on), and he was really enjoying himself. Early highlights were the improvisations during "Honky Cat", "Rocket Man", "I'm Still Standing" and "Philadelpia Freedom" which are different every time.

Another anticipated highlight was "Moon River", and Elton didn't dissapoint. The intro for "Take me to the Pilot" was again different from others and included a section from "Song for Guy".

At this time it was obvious that the crowd were pushing down so far now that it was getting impossible to handle. I spoke to Elton's security man who said he'd have to let them go down to the front after "Pilot" as it was too much for them to hold back. So I raced to the barrier and got a great position.

"Bennie and the Jets" was superb, as was "Crocodile Rock", with Elton running around the stage making sure we were all singing "la la la la la ". In the wings we could see David Furnish doing the same.

Elton came out for the last song in a white tracksuit (previously seen at Hampton Court). He signed a couple of items ,but then came over to "our section" and signed my DVD cover and a couple of other die hard fans' items. He said he'd had a really great night and then closed with one of my favorite songs "Circle of Life".

The only disappointment was the exclusion from the Hampton Court set list of "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore" and "Original Sin".

An enjoyable day out, coupled with a superb performance from Elton. These solo shows just get better and better!

Following is the complete set list of the Powderham Castle show on July 22, 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
  
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
  
• Circle of Life
  

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