Fan report by Simon Owens.

When you think of an Elton John concert you’ll probably imagine the bright wigs, fireworks, bizarre glasses and footwear with which the greatest show-man has become synonymous. These days, however, it seems things are different.

For a start, Elton is now Sir Elton. He’s sober, in a stable relationship and enjoying a ‘back-to-basics’ approach to life. On July 20, 2003 in Newcastle, 10,000 fans revelled in the simpler side to Elton John as he took to the stage armed only with a Yamaha electric-grand and two and a half hours’ worth of classic songs. No band, no costumes and no fireworks.

An over-whelming standing ovation greeted Elton as he took to the stage, and the crowd were paid back with interest as Elton blitzed through his mammoth set-list which ranged from 1970’s "Your Song" to 2002’s "I Want Love", visiting many familiar stops along the way.

"Your Song" was the opener, followed by "Border Song", "The One" and "Someone Saved My Life Tonight". During these opening numbers, Elton was clearly unhappy with the sound levels coming through his stage monitors, and this prompted him to call sound technicians onto the stage between each song.

This obviously had a perturbing effect on Elton, as he distractedly stumbled through sloppy versions of "Daniel", "Mona Lisa’s And Mad Hatters" and "The Ballad Of The Boy In The Red Shoes". This twelve minute period, however, proved to be the only blip, as Elton got the bit between his teeth and returned immediately to form for a stunning display of piano playing for "Honky Cat".

The concert then took the form of a spell-binding show of piano and vocals, as each song had it’s own special live re-working. Solo followed solo, improvisation followed improvisation as Elton brought unique Gospel, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Boogie-Woogie influences to thirty-plus years’ worth of classic rock hits. Most notable were brilliant renditions of "I’m Still Standing", "Philadelphia Freedom" and "Take Me To The Pilot" (featuring a snippet of "Song For Guy" in the middle for fans with a keen ear).

"Rocket Man" was also worthy of special mention, and for die-hard piano lovers, "Carla/Etude" and "Tonight" were worthy of any classical piano recital.

By the time Elton was bashing out "Crocodile Rock" the fans were dancing at the front of the stage, in the aisles and anywhere else they could find room to do so, and Elton graciously returned to the stage for two encores to repay the loyalty of this ecstatic crowd.

Elton is undoubtedly a calmer man and, therefore, a calmer performer than the Captain Fantastic of yesteryear, but tonight, apart from that unhappy spell near the start of the gig, it was clear for all to see why Elton won’t retire and sit amongst his flowers. He enjoys performing way too much. And as a parting comment for the city that always receives Elton so well: "Have a great season, Newcastle ­ see ya soon!".

The future's bright - the future's black and white! ooo-ta-ooo-ta-be-ooo-ta-be-a-woolly!

Following is the complete set list of the Newcastle show on July 20, 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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