His last gig in Swansea set a record attendance with more than 24,000 people attending. But Elton John’s return to the city’s newly named swansea.com stadium felt uniquely different tonight.
There was a very special atmosphere in the air as a capacity crowd filled the home of the Swans to see the music legend perform in Wales for the very last time. The show, part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour, gave audiences a chance to show their appreciation for the megastar at the very end of his illustrious career.
A standing ovation greeted the music legend as he walked out on the stage wearing his trademark bejewelled blazer and rose-tinted sunglasses, and from the second the crowd heard the unmistakable sound of Bennie and the Jets, it was clear this was a night that was to be a memorable one. The seats may as well have not been there because everyone was up and dancing and making the most of the night.
READ MORE:
- Inside the Welsh coastal retreat Carol Vorderman says is her 'dream home'
- Wales presses ahead with plans to reshape the school year
And that was obvious from the dress code. A quick scan across the crowd saw people wearing heart sunglasses, colourful feather boas, trademark Elton straw hats and Hawaiian necklaces. Welsh flags were waved in the air as were arms and pint glasses. Not bad for an overcast Swansea night.
“Good evening Swansea and good evening Wales. It’s the only time we’re playing in Wales. We’re thrilled to be here. Let’s get on with it,” Elton said.
Philadelphia Freedom and I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues followed, as did Tiny Dancer and Rocket Man, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, I’m Still Standing and Crocodile Rock - there was literally no big hit from his repertoire that went overlooked. He shared special memories of Aretha Franklin before performing Border Song, and told more heartfelt stories of his well-travelled career.
The big screen displayed mainstream moments aside from his music career - his appearances in the likes of South Park and The Simpsons, showing his appeal across several generations and his constant significance in pop culture.
Candle In The Wind created a distinct silence in the crowd as people rose to their feet and watched on with admiration. When Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me was performed, a lady in front of me observed: “The entire stadium is singing.” And she wasn’t wrong. The gig really had stepped up a notch.
His Welsh links were clear when he told of his grandfather being in the Welsh guards and he added: “It’s a privilege to play in front of you.”
His encore was equally as special. The crowd loved hearing his most recent hit, Cold Heart - a collaboration with Dua Lipa. And his finale of Your Song then Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, which saw him carried off on a rising stage platform was momentous, whilst the crowd were left to dance along to Don’t Go Breaking My Heart as he went on his way.
Elton heads off on a helicopter from Burry Port to Ireland tonight. If tonight is anything to go by, they’re in for an unforgettable gig.
READ NEXT:
- Elton John sets fans straight on health after being seen in a wheelchair
- Elton John and David Furnish: How the stars met, life with their two young sons, highs and lows and how much they're worth
- The Welsh singer signed by Elton John who worked with superstars but missed out on the big time himself
- Elton John's brother criticises star over attack on their dad in his autobiography
- Rammstein in Cardiff 2022: Stage times, set list, tickets, parking, road closures and support act
