Elton says farewell to fans with sizzling show
Elton John spoke of love and kindness, songwriting and getting sober during his Saturday night set at Toyota Center.
And he sang, of course, for more than 2½ hours. So many hits. So many memories.
He admitted it was “very difficult” to whittle down the set list, which included signature hits and lesser-known gems.
“The greatest thing for a musician is to play for another human being and get a reaction,” he told the crowd. Saturday was the first of two Houston shows on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which runs through 2021. John then will devote more time to his children.
“I’ve had a million years of applause. I will miss you so much. I never would have dreamed my life would have turned out like this,” he told the sold-out crowd.
John dedicated a triumphant “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” to Houston socialite and philanthropist Lynn Wyatt. He called her “one of my dearest friends” and “my yellow rose of Texas.”
He took the stage just after 8 p.m. in pink jeweled glasses, tearing through “Bennie and the Jets“and “All the Girls Love Alice” from his classic “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” double alum. For a man whose later career was marked by so many ballads, John is still a rock star at heart. Electricity snaked through the audience, which frequently rose to its feet.
The stage was anchored by a series of vibrant visuals, from vintage clips to new dance sequences to striking animation.
“Border Song” highlighted icons from Martin Luther King Jr. to Princess Diana. “Believe” showcased the work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. “Crocodile Rock” boasted lots of John super fans.
The Bitch is Back” featured “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stars Valentina, Eureka, Morgan McMichaels, Mayhem Miller and Mariah Balenciaga in an ’80s-inspired catfight. (Even RuPaul’s Pit Crew was there.)
An ornate gold frame encased the stage, and carved into it were a series of John’s career moments: “Soul Train,” “The Lion King,” “Billy Elliott,” Gucci. (Yes, he was on “Soul Train.”)
Every song was a standout or a singalong for someone in the audience. “I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues” and “Rocket Man” felt inspired in the moment. “Levon” ended with a searing, extended band showcase.
John’s piano moved slowly across the stage during “Candle in the Wind.” He imbued “Burn Down the Mission” with a gospel fervor.
He took the stage in a floral bathrobe for his final two songs. “Your Song” is still a swoon inducing moment that prompted lots of snuggling. And he closed, fittingly, with “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” before disappearing in a track suit and sequined sneakers.
Very Elton John, up until the last moment.