Elton John
Wells Fargo Arena, April 16
From 60-year-old grandmas donning glow-in-the-dark glasses, to Generation X couples, to 20-something singles, to the seven-year-old boy who nearly stole the show, signs of Elton John’s appeal to music fans of all ages were aplenty at Wells Fargo Arena last Friday.
More than 15,000 people enjoyed their musical trip down memory lane courtesy of the singer-pianist’s “Rocket Man — the Greatest Hits Live” concert that included 23 classic songs (and one to be released this fall) spanning John’s illustrious career in a performance that lasted nearly three hours. John, whose voice has lowered but remains strong, delivered hit songs like “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Daniel,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “Candle in the Wind” with album-like precision and feel.
But it was John’s interaction with the audience — bowing to them and signing autographs — that added value to his performance. Just ask seven-year-old Brody Reilly of Pleasant Hill, who was seated next to me with his father, donning a concert T-shirt and clutching a program and pen most of the show. He nearly upstaged Captain Fantastic when John invited him onstage to sing and dance to “Crocodile Rock” with childlike innocence and enthusiasm.
What’s more, Reilly knew all the words, to the pleasure of John and the audience, while his father, Mike, looked on in amazement. Afterwards, John signed Reilly’s program and thanked him for his support. It was a moment in time that the youngster won’t soon forget and a testament to John’s timeless music. CV — Michael Swanger
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AC/DC at Wells Fargo Arena Photo by Douglas Harsh |
Cross Canadian Ragweed at Val Air Ballroom Photo by Douglas Harsh |
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Elton John at Wells Fargo Arena Photo by Michael Swanger |
Great White at 7 Flags Event Center Photo by Darren Tromblay |
