Eagle-Tribune Blogs: Pop

This just in from my colleague Emily, who recently saw the Rocket Man in Manchester, N.H.:

Last night, Elton John was a man on a mission to give his fans their money’s worth. He systematically knocked off hit after hit, playing — by my count — 25 songs and two encores. The two and a half hour, marathon show feature little chitchatting and surprisingly little flare from a man who is quite well known for his showmanship.
Instead, Elton seemed quite focused on his vocal and piano playing — both of which were absolutely solid throughout the solo performance. The man could inspire even the most jaded of former piano students to get back on the bench.
Wearing a long, black jacket decorated with red hearts and the word “Love” written down his sleeve, the 60-something rocker sounded incredible performing songs like, “Your Song;” “Daniel;” “Tiny Dancer;” “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” and “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.” Cell phones and glow sticks waved through out the arena during “Candle in the Wind;” but in a throw-back, old-school move, a man in my row who had an actual lighter.
My personal favorite of the night was “Levon.” Like an evangelical preaching to his congregation, there was much finger pointing, fist pumping, and eventual on-your-feet, forceful swaying by the crowd. Definitely heard an “Amen” or two from the crowd. Upon completion, Elton banged the lid of the piano twice, noting that, yes, he nailed it.
Around song no. 24, Elton gave some-sort of cue that I totally missed. Droves of people rushed the stage as he lit into, “Bennie And The Jets.” Much dancing continued for the final song, “Crocodile Rock.” He then took a few minutes to actually sign autographs before doing two encores — “I’m Still Standing” and “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.”
He’s still standing, baby.

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