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By: Megan Moss

Artist: Elton John

Date: Sunday 16th February 2020

Venue: Mt Smart Stadium Auckland, NZ

“I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind, that I put down in words, how wonderful life is while you're in the world...” Sir Elton John

Yes, the night ended abruptly, and in the most heart-wrenching moment I have ever witnessed in 33 years of attending concerts, amongst thousands of others, we cheered our support, love and appreciation for Sir Elton John as he announced half a verse into ‘Daniel’, “I just can’t go on; I have nothing left; my voice is shot.”

As Elton profusely apologised to the audience, he broke down, sobbing over his piano and was then lead from the stage, attended by crew. From the audience, I heard nothing but calls of best wishes, praise, encouragement and deservedly so. The feeling of warmth and concern for Sir Elton was over-whelming.

I really don’t want to take anything away from what we did see of the show tonight in Auckland - a massive undertaking of the ‘Yellow Brick Road – A Farewell’ Tour. It was publicised as a three-year undertaking of more than 300 shows across five continents, spanning three years, with stops in Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Australia and finally New Zealand, celebrating over 50 years of Sir Elton John’s career, alongside songwriter Bernie Taupin.

Elton was joined onstage by longstanding band members Nigel Olsson on drums, Davey Johnstone on guitar, virtuoso Ray Cooper on percussion, Matt Bissonette on bass, John Mahon on percussion, and Kim Bullard on keyboards.

Starting the night was Tate Sheridan, solo singer/keyboardist. I caught the last few songs of his set, and it was all a bit low-key. Credit where credit’s due - Tate is quite obviously a talented musician and a pleasant enough support act as the thousands poured into Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium to see/hear Sir Elton perform in the flesh.

In the predominately 30-and-above audience, there were glam sunglasses, sequins, some seriously hip hipsters with some snazzy gear, and the air was alive with anticipation.

After a small break between support, the screens lit up once again, the audiences cheered as the band and finally Sir Elton came onstage. Elton was dressed in a Gucci suit, black with gold trims, pink lapels, gold shoes and red diamante covered glasses. He looked happy and fabulous.

Starting the set, ‘Bennie & the Jets’ had everyone on their feet, the energy electric, the audio-visuals stunning. Elton looked to be in fine shape, poking his tongue out, smiling at the audience – what a legend. After ‘Everybody Loves Alice’, Elton stood up and waved to Auckland. As he sat back at his piano, he explained earlier in the day he’d been diagnosed with ‘walking pneumonia’ and he wasn’t sure if he could make it, but would try his best because he really wanted to and didn’t want to let anyone down.

We are now nine songs into the what seems to be a seamless set of classics, hit after hit. ’Rocket Man’ has the crowd in a frenzied stadium sing-along, but inwardly, I’m starting to get the impression that Elton is struggling. The music is certainly sounding glorious, and the on-screen visuals frequently revert back to Elton giving it his absolute all. The band are nothing short of virtuosic.

Then there’s a lengthy pause, and people are wondering what’s going on. Sadly Sir Elton is indeed struggling, and a crew member races offstage. Elton is joined at his piano by a medic, and his blood pressure is being taken. A few more minutes and amazingly Sir Elton turns back to his piano and launches into ‘Levon’. The audience is now starting to comprehend how sick Elton is – all the while still putting on a stunning show. The band goes from ‘Levon’ into an extended instrumental, highlighting the tightness of their stunning talent yet again, whilst giving Elton a break from singing. At this point, Elton comments that he’s unsure how long he can go on.

The audience erupts as ‘Candle in the Wind’ fills the stadium, with incredibly moving visuals of Marilyn Monroe featured all over the screens. This is emotionally charged footage shows Marilyn a glamorous screen-siren, and flicks between footage of her in tears, exhausted and the ‘stage Marilyn’. It was an incredibly moving visual, causing tears to well up in my eyes.

At this point I’m starting to think to myself the show may be nearing its end, as I thought ‘Candle’ would’ve potentially been an encore song. The foreboding feeling increases as the stage is suddenly darkened for a length of time.

The audience are encouraging Elton back on, though we can’t see what’s happening. Surprisingly the lights are on again and Elton is back, suited and booted in a new get-up and gliding across the stage for ‘Funeral for a Friend’. Sporting a light suit, pink shirt and now blue diamante glasses, Elton is still sounding fabulous. I guess in reality he wasn’t feeling it and the setlist is all a bit foreboding in hindsight.

After a long instrumental leading into the intro of ‘Daniel’, Elton stops and says he cannot carry on. His genuine distress was clear, but no one cared about the show being cut short; rather, there was nothing but cheers of encouragement. Elton is lead from the stage to huge applause.

Tonight was magical and glorious. I am grateful to have finally seen Sir Elton perform live and have never experienced so many emotions at a concert like this before. His struggle only highlighted the level of professionalism, talent and passion, and no wonder words like ‘icon’ and ‘legend’ are used to describe him and his legacy of songs long sung.

Elton, we all wish you a speedy recovery. Thank you.

It is not yet confirmed whether the next two Auckland dates will proceed.


Set-List
1. Bennie And the Jets
2. All the Girls Love Alice
3. I Guess that's Why They Call it The Blues
4. Border Song
5. Tiny Dancer
6. Philadelphia Freedom
7. Indian Sunset
8. Rocket Man
9. Take Me to The Pilot
10. Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word
11. Someone Saved My Life Tonight
12. Levon
13. Candle in The Wind Break –
13a. Elton off stage
14. Funeral for A Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding
15. Daniel – (Intro only as Elton is unable to continue)

Review Edited By:Jake Ebdale