Elton John kicks off farewell tour with flair

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — After 90 minutes of nonstop singing and piano playing – which had the audience on their feet and desperately waiting for more – Elton John returned to the stage dramatically, and epically.

There was the sound of loud thunderstorms, dark blue, smoky lights surrounding the arena, and a grand, candle-lit chandelier on the large screen – all while music in the vein of Michael Jackson’s Thriller played in the background.

The Rocket Man, who kicked off his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour about 100 kilometres

from Philadelphia on Saturday, sang like a confident, electrified pro in the City of Brotherly Love on Tuesday. It was the second show on his 300-date tour set to reach five continents, stretching into 2021. He will retire from the road after the shows.

His performance throughout the night was so rousing that concert-goers, ranging from thirtysomethings to people about John’s age (he’s 71), reacted in various ways: some recorded every moment with their cellphones like anxious teenagers, while others danced

without a care, yelled every lyric and played the air-piano.

Others calmly took in the energy from their seats – after all, it was a school/work night.

The nearly three-hour concert began with Bennie and the Jets, as John pounded away at the piano.

The Oscar, Grammy and Tony winner performed two dozen songs, including classics like Your Song, Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man, Saturday Night’s Alright (for Fighting), Candle In the Wind and I’m Still Standing.