It’s the first date of this UK leg of Elton John’s valedictorian Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which began in 2018 and concludes next year after being delayed by the pandemic. As well as the lucrative payday and a final feast on the limelight, this extended exit offers the star a shot at sculpting his legacy. Whichever of the multiverse of infinite Eltons takes the spotlight on his final tread of the boards – the ludicrous glam-pop monster, the tailor of exquisite faux Americana, the mournful balladeer – will be a gesture towards defining how we remember him.
It’s quickly clear that tonight our host will be Elton John, human jukebox. But while the setlist unsurprisingly delivers barrage upon barrage of smash hits, it also showcases the early album material that has enjoyed a latter-day renaissance. Beginning the evening in something equal parts tuxedo and Pearly King costume, Elton’s in the company of old friends, including Nigel Olsson, his drummer on-and-off since 1969, and legendary percussionist Ray Cooper (an antic, perma-shaded character with a floor on the stage all to himself, Cooper operates like Elton’s Bez). The old gang, back together for one last job.
