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Entertainment
Simon Duke

Elton John arrives on stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light to rapturous welcome

The sun came out for Elton John in Sunderland as he arrived on stage to a fantastic reception from the tens of thousands of fans who flocked to see him on Sunday evening

The music legend held his Wearside audience in the palm of his hand from the get-go at the Stadium of Light, wasting no time in pulling out the big guns, as he kicked off the show with anthems Bennie and the Jets and Philadelphia Freedom. There were plenty of star shaped glasses and sparkly jackets among the fans inside the ground, many of whom had waited and months and months to see Elton after buying tickets when they first went on sale.

While his fans certainly dressed for the occasion, Elton took looked every inch the music icon in a striking suit jacket adorned with flowers, over a ruffled shirt. Other tracks out of the traps early for the 75-year-old's Sunderland gig, which got going around 7pm, included two of his best known songs - Tiny Dancer and Rocket Man.

READ MORE: Elton John issues request to fans arriving at Sunderland show

Ahead of the legendary singer arriving on stage, fans arriving at the Stadium of Light were greeted with a message on behalf of Elton, which appeared on a big screen near the stage. It read: "Elton John encourages all his guests to stand and dance in front of their seats.

"Please keep the aisles clear, but express yourself!"

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