Elton John – Rocket Man, Rocks Victoria

Elton John – Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena – February 15, 2011

Elton John kicked off his North American tour with his only Canadian dates and first ever visit to Victoria.  The back to back shows filled Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena with 16,000 fans over the two night, the largest crowds the 6 year old venue has experienced.  The buzz was definitely good for local business as many, like myself, came from out of town to catch the ‘Rocket Man’ perform his 45+ years of hits. 
And did he ever perform…3hours of non-stop hits! Elton sat down at the piano exactly at 8pm and belted out hits until 1059 (a City noise ordinance means concert events must end at 11pm).  His voice hasn’t seemed to have changed at all over the decades and still maintains the tone and strength to make each hit sound as familiar as ever.  The sound in the Save-On centre was outstanding as well, I’d heard that the building had good acoustics but this was even better than expected.  I’m sure the experience of 40 years of touring, many with the same band members, helps the songs sound perfect time after time. 
This tour is in support of “The Union” Elton’s new album with American singer-songwriter Leon Russell. The concert features many songs from the album but although these were the first time the band was performing them live they sounded so familiar and tight they fit right into the set without missing a beat. 
As the 2.5 hour mark approached, the hits rolled on and the audience was on it’s feet dancing for The Bitch Is Back, I’m Still Standing and finally Crocodile Rock (featured in the new Elton John produced film; Gnomeo & Juliet) wrapped up the main set.  After a quick minute break (the only one of the show) the band returned as Elton took the time to acknowledge the fans, spending a few minutes signing CDs, programs, t-shirts, even a glittery shoe.  To close the show the encore began with the 41 year old Your Song…sounding as fresh as ever…and finally Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me wrapped up a remarkable evening of music by a consummate performer.  

Now is the time to catch Elton as he tours across the USA
Upcoming shows include:

Feb 17  – Eugene, OR
Feb 19  – Reno, NV
Feb 24  – Kahului, HI
Feb 25  – Kahului, HI
Mar 11  – Uncasville, CT
Mar 12  – Worcester, MA
Mar 16  – New York, NY
Mar 18  – Norfolk, VA
Mar 20  – New York, NY
Mar 23  – Pittsburgh, PA
Mar 25  – Philadelphia, PA
Mar 26  – Baltimore, MD 
Mar 27  – University Park, PA
Apr 06  – Bismarck, ND
Apr 08  – Spokane, WA
Apr 09  – Boise, ID
Apr 10  – Billings, MT
Apr 22  – Wilkes-Barre, PA
Apr 23  – Rochester, NY
May 06  – Duluth, MN