Fan report by Stephan Heimbecher.

Almost exactly six years after Elton took "The Red Piano" to Munich's Olmpic hall, he returned to the major concert arena of the Bavarian capital with his "Greatest Hits Live" tour on November 27, 2014 - for which turned out to be my 119th Elton concert since May 1984.

I have to admit that I was a bit sceptical at first as the setlist I had seen him perform during the European shows so far wasn't the most exciting for a die-hard fan with that many previous concert experiences. And as much as it hurts to put it that way, I wish I had a fast-forward button for songs such as "Daniel", "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" and even "Tiny Dancer". I simply heard those too often.

Earlier in the day the concert announcement in the local newspaper had put a condescending smile on my face as they treated Ray Cooper as a regular member of the Elton John Band - I wish! But then there he was, not on stage I'm afraid, but sitting in the audience just two rows behind me, obviously enjoying the show, which began at 8.00 pm sharp.

Bright Light Bright Light had started the evening with a 20-minute set at 7.30 pm before Elton came on after what felt like the shortest stage conversion ever. And he wouldn't leave until 10.35 pm and a set which - despite my aforementioned "let's skip this" attacks - was quite entertaining and energetic.

The first real highlight for me was "Rocket Man" - another song that I have probably heard too often, but tour after tour Elton and the band manage to give this opus a whole new touch. This time it wasn't only for the new piano intro, but much more for Elton's singing style that gave me goosebumps during the song.

Another highlight was his brief solo set of "The One" and "The Greatest Discovery", which I like to refer to as the David-Zachary-Elijah double feature. "The Greatest Discovery" certainly isn't a crowd pleaser, but it's an island of joy for the real Elton fans. The general public, however, was becalmed by songs such as "Your Song" and "Sad Songs (Say So Much)" shortly afterwards.

Elton came on stage with one of those grumpy faces that makes you fear that he will throw a trantrum over whatever the next minute and cut the show short. However, sucking up the energy of the 12,000+ in the audience, which he later referred to as "Bavarian roar", he soon warmed up and was extremely thankful for the support he had received from his German fans over the 46 years of his career.

So all early scepticism aside, I could book another great Elton John concert experience in Munich last night thanks to an enthusiastic Elton and band. Sadly, Davey seems to have not overcome his back problems yet and was taking a seat during many of the slower songs. Get well soon!

Following is the complete setlist of the Munich show on November 27, 2014:

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

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