Elton John returned to “memorable” Liverpool this evening with a powerful and dazzling show ahead of his retirement.
The legendary musician has descended on the city for two nights of musical magic at the M&S Bank Arena, as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.
In 2018, the entertainer confirmed plans to embark on a three year “farewell” tour after 50 years on stage, marking a grand finale to an impressive, history-making performing career.
READ MORE: Fans honour Elton John by wearing quirky sunglasses and costumes to Liverpool gig
As the 75-year-old icon’s last tour, there’s more than 300 concerts taking place worldwide. Once it finishes on July 8, 2023, Sir Elton will be retiring from live performance and spending more time with his family - and he’s clearly going out with a bang.
This Thursday evening (March 23), the Rocket Man lit up the stage at the M&S Bank Arena with hit after hit, kicking off with a vibrant and psychedelic floral display on the screens above the stage.
He almost snuck onto stage, appearing at the piano while it was still cast in darkness before hitting the opening bars of ‘Bennie and the Jets’ on the piano, much to the delight of the enraptured crowd.
The doors to the arena opened at 6pm, with the show kicking off at 7.30pm. There was no support act, but Sir Elton is more than enough of a performer to dazzle thousands without these usual gig additions.
After a few songs, he told the audience: “Liverpool, it’s great to be back - last summer [at Anfield] was one of the most memorable shows… it’s one of my top five shows ever.” He added: “There’s amazing, amazing people here.”
In a career that’s spanned so many decades, Liverpool appearing among the star’s top five favourite gigs is no mean feat.
The screens were well utilised throughout the show, with choreographed dance routines accompanying several songs, as well as photos and various footage of people seemingly going about their lives, plus cartoons and artistic shots of the star himself performing. This allowed Sir Elton to focus on the piano and his vocals.
Ahead of a rendition of ‘Border Song’, he praised Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, who covered the single in the 70s. John said, at that point, it was “the most exciting thing to happen” in his career.
The legends went on to work together throughout their careers. He told the crowd: “The very last show she did was for the Elton John AIDS Foundation - it was very emotional because she was very sick. She passed away six months later.
“Before the show, I went backstage and I said to her, ‘Aretha, let me do it, you’re so sick, let me do it’, but she said: 'Honey, two years ago I was supposed to be here and I let you down. I'm not letting you down again.'”
He added: “She is one of the all time greats - there are very few but she’s one of them.”
After an extended rendition of ‘Rocket Man’, he stood and walked across the stage to wave to each area of the arena, causing mass hysteria and sheer joy among the crowd, before returning to the piano to carry on with the show.
John didn’t address the crowd too often throughout his performance but when he did, it was always interesting; offering insight and little anecdotes from his illustrious career. He cited one of his favourite songs as ‘Someone Saved my Life Tonight’, written with long-term songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, from the 1975 album ‘Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy’.
Later, video footage of Marilyn Monroe accompanied Elton John’s rendition of ‘Candle in the Wind’ - a personal favourite - with the star’s multitalented band vacating the stage, while his piano moved across it on a track as he played adding a touch of subtle drama.
Ever the fashion icon, Sir Elton performed in a pair of bejewelled tinted glasses while sporting an elaborate sequin and gemstone encrusted jacket. He changed for the second half of the show, swapping his black sparkling blazer for a pale pink one - and new glasses to match. What I would give to have a nosy in his wardrobe!
To thank his band, Sir Elton introduced them one by one so they could each get “a massive Liverpool roar” and said he’d been “fortunate” throughout his career to work with so many talented and “incredible musicians”.
It’s a great privilege to see such an iconic and integral force of the music industry like Elton John perform live, with this tour made all the more special and poignant because it’s the last one. Tonight is a night I’ll never forget, and I know I won’t be the only one who feels this way.
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