ALONG COMES MARY

Lately, I have sadly realized the importance of seeing some of the great musicians before it is too late. As far as the legends go, I feel extremely lucky to have seen Cher and Madonna thus far….and, my newest concert to check off the bucket list? Elton John!

With my friend, Tash, in Los Angeles from New Zealand, we headed out-of-town with Mike to hit the fabulous strip and night life of Las Vegas. With the main destination being The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace to see Sir Elton John’s final night until October of his “Million Dollar PIano” show, and let me tell you: This man did NOT disappoint to his sold out crowd of adoring fans.

Starting just shy of 7:30, Elton and his band hit the stage running with a rousing number of “The Bitch is Back” before moving on to perform all of his beloved songs from each decade of his career spanning over 40 years.

Songs like Rocket Man and Your Song welcomed John doing extensive piano intros that showcased just how  talented he is. Throw in a mighty voice, that I reckon is just as thick as it was back when he released Mad Man Across the Water in 1971, and you have yourself a powerhouse of a performer. Right down to his sequined coats that easily could have been diamonds! (I think they were.)

While John has always been on my radar, and I know many of his beloved songs, I admit that I was in awe at how legendary he is. He treats his audience to chats down memory lane; told tales of one of his best friends, John Lennon, and showed clips of the English lads performing together. Even adding “I miss him so, so much” before launching into Empty Garden (Hey, Hey Johnny), a tribute he and writing partner, Bernie Taupin wrote in his honor.

If you’re thinking, who is Bernie Taupin? He has been John’s  lyricist for nearly 50 years. He conversed with the crowd about the duo’s writing process, and that “they’ve never been in the same room together when they write. Thats how we’ve  lasted for 48 years” he joked.

While I am an avid lover of songwriters who pen their own lyrics, there is nothing like Taupin’s words paired with John’s melodies. Performances like Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road welcomed back drops of Elton John’s entire career span; from the early days, to his work on such award-winning scores like The Lion King, Aida and Billy Elliot.

The screen also had candles….flickering in the wind. Paying homage to the famous song originally written for Marilyn Monroe, and then sadly, re-written for the heartbreaking passing of his dear friend, Princess Diana. (John stated, after the 1997 tragedy and funeral, that he would no longer perform Candle in the Wind.)

A song I was not familiar with, yet made me a fan, was 1975’s Philadelphia Freedom. During this ruckus number, we were treated to patriotic red, white and blue back drops, shots of the liberty bell and confetti bombs!

The Million Dollar Piano show is an evening everyone can enjoy; whether you’re in Vegas for a celebration, with the family or a night on the town with friends, Elton John is a phenomenal performer and I highly recommend going when he returns October 12th! xo