The legend stood up from his piano. You could swear the keys were smoking. He looks up at the loyal fans that have followed this Rocket Man’s trajectory from weekend pianist in the Northwood Hills Hotel to one of the planet’s biggest musical superstars. His first World Tour was in 1970. There’s been multiple laps in the years since. He’s got 30 studio recordings but only if you don’t count the soundtracks. The songs on those albums put down the yellow bricks in a road of hits. 57 in the top 40, to be exact. Only Elvis has more. There’s multiple Grammys, an Oscar, a Tony and even a knighthood.
For Reginald Kenneth Dwight, known the world over as Elton John, there was really nothing left to do.
Well, there was one thing. He could retire.
“It’s been a huge part of my life and I’m going to miss it,” John said before the final glamorous curtain or, rather, a stairway to wherever the road next leads. One thing is certain, that road taking him away from the stages, away from the roar of the crowds and away from live touring so he can be with his children.
But before the dazzle and final flamboyant flash that can only be an Elton John farewell, the musician took to the Hill alongside husband David Furnish to discuss his charity the Elton John AIDS Foundation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. John, who believes that he will see an end to the disease in his lifetime, had the full backing of Canada’s leader.
“I’m looking forward to working together to create an AIDS-free future. Elton & David, thanks for your continued leadership on this & for the meeting today,” the Prime Minster tweeted.
John, showcasing that comical side that has come out to play over the decades, posted a photo of the Peace Tower with the jovial quip: “Looks like another rocket to me…”
For a man who has taken to dressing up Donald Duck, Ronald McDonald, a glitzed out baseball player and, err, possibly a peacock, Ottawa’s show saw a more elegant turn of fashion. John left his boisterous wardrobe in the trunk and slipped into some suits. Flashy suits! And, of course, we did get some ruby red glasses.
“Hey kids, shake it loose together / the spotlight’s hitting something that’s been known to change the weather,” sang the bespeckled trubadore in show opener "Bennie and the Jets". In case his audience needed reminding, John proudly informed that they’d be hearing electric music…solid walls of sound!
Though this was a goodbye there was hardly any time for tears. The Canadian Tire Centre was aglow with smiles (not to mention a massive stage backdrop to take us down memory lane). Elton brought the party and with it came a punch bowl spiked with hits. Though he could certainly have rested on some these favourites --being an artist who could do an entire show of classics--, the set squeezed in some surprises from the vast back catalogue of tunes penned by long-time lyricist Bernie Taupin.
“It’s a relationship I am very proud of,” John said of his 50-year journey with Taupin. “Professionally and personally, after all this time, we are closer and stronger than we ever have been. In this business that’s a pretty big achievement.”
Following the opener came “All the Girls Love Alice” , a rockin’ '70s number from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and after dipping into the '80s with “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” we turned the dial back to John’s second release for “Border Song”.
While some musician’s voices have left their better years behind them, John belted his songs out like there was no tomorrow…maybe because there soon will be when it comes to these balls to the wall stage show. He gave the crowd his all leaving no stone unturned when it came to Elton-eras . Well, unless you’re only a fan of the Lion King Soundtrack, that is. Regardless, there was lots of love to feel that night in the form of deep cuts like the stunning rendition of the rarity “Indian Sunset” and an extended trip with “Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)”.
The piano blazed with John’s furious playing on the main set closers “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” and “Crocodile Rock”. The spotlight was of course turned outward to allow the crowd a few final la la la la las. Some legends ride off into the sunset but this one’s future lies in a stroll beyond the yellow brick road. Before stepping onto the platform that would rise him up through to screen, Elton shared the tune he always dedicates to his audience, “Your Song”.
“And you can tell everybody This is your song It may be quite simple but Now that it's done I hope you don't mind That I put down in words How wonderful life is While you're in the world”
Ditto, Elton. Thank you for the music.
SETLIST: Bennie and the Jets All the Girls Love Alice I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues Border Song Tiny Dancer Philadelphia Freedom Indian Sunset Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time) Take Me to the Pilot Someone Saved My Life Tonight Levon Candle in the Wind Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding Burn Down the Mission Believe Daniel Sad Songs (Say So Much) Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me The Bitch Is Back I’m Still Standing Crocodile Rock Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting
Encore: Your Song Goodbye Yellow Brick Road