Elton John and his killer band conquer Vancouver, with the help of a giant jellyfish

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      At Rogers Arena on Saturday, September 13.

      Elton John doesn't need no stinkin' band. Heck, I remember seeing him at GM Place back in '99 when it was just him and his piano, and he killed it. There was no elaborate staging or lights—not even a costume changeyet the magical combination of his music put to Bernie Taupin's lyrics was enough to keep the sold-out crowd transfixed.

      No, Elton John doesn't need no stinkin' band, but last night at Rogers Arena he brought one anyway.

      And it tore the place up.

      Two members of John's band from the early-'70sguitarist Davey Johnstone and drummer Nigel Olssonare still with him, and they bring the radar-like tightness you'd expect after all those gigs. And if they ever miss a beat you can bet that primo bassist Matt Bissonettewho used to handle the tricky bottom-end for guitar star Joe Satrianiis right there to find it for them. Throw in multitalented keyboardist Kim Bullard and jazz-reared percussionist-drummer John Mahon, and you've got the makings of a stellar live unit.

      The group wasted no time proving its mettle, opening with "Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding", one of the most dynamic numbers from John's 1973 double LP, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The band would return to that album again and again, for both flat-out rockers ("Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting") and sentimental ballads (the Marilyn Monroe homage "Candle in the Wind").

      "I think this is one of the best choruses we've ever written," remarked John before performing the timeless title track.

      John did a nice job of sprinkling lesser-known songslike "Hey Ahab", a tune from his 2010 collaboration with Leon Russell, The Unionamong his blockbusters. He only played one song from his latest album, last year's The Diving Board, though. He chose that piano-oriented disc's opening track, "Oceans Away", which he solemnly dedicated to those "who fought for our freedoms" in World War I and II. Later on he dedicated "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me", his hit 1974 ballad, "to Brenda, who is 98 today."

      It's not just kids like me who are into Elton John these days.

      When he wasn't charming the sold-out crowd with his good-guy personawhich included taking a break to sign autographs for the hardcore fans up frontJohn sang his ass off, and the 67-year-old's vocals sounded strong as ever. In the battle for attention between that voice and the huge chandelier-type lighting rig that kept unfolding like a giant jellyfish, the lighting rig came a close second.

      My only complaint about the show was that it ended with two songs from the soundtrack of The Lion King. I realize Elton's all about heartfelt emotion and lifting people's spirits and such, but that sappy Disney vibe just wasn't alright for this Saturday night.

      Brenda probably loved it, though.

      You can follow Steve Newton at twitter.com/earofnewt and check out his website about rock 'n' roll and horror here. 

      Comments

      28 Comments

      Bruno

      Sep 14, 2014 at 8:31am

      Elton John... really? In 1970, absolutely. But that was 44 years ago. He did two great albums – Tumbleweed Connection in 1970 and Madman Across the Water in '71. And I can't leave out 11-17-70, the second greatest live album of all time. But that was... 44 years ago. The past just won't leave us alone... still, glad you had a good time, Steve!

      BD

      Sep 14, 2014 at 10:57am

      @bruno....it's not about the past...it's about the talent!

      David Anderson

      Sep 14, 2014 at 11:28am

      It was a hell of a show...He and The Band were Fantastic! My first time to see him live and I'm fortunate enough to get to go again tonight!!
      I absolutely agree with Steve with regard to the end of the show...playing Lion King soundtrack to close out the show seemed a little deflating rather than high energy for a show that was so Energized on and off stage.
      But that being said, Sir Elton & The Band had all of us in his very talented hand(s) all night long and could do no wrong.
      If you missed it...You missed something special...Thank you Elton for 44 years of great songs to listen too...right Bruno ;-)

      Paul

      Sep 14, 2014 at 12:29pm

      Whoever this Bruno guy is, it is sad to see such negativity towards one of our greatest performers. The classiness and grace in which Elton performs his music and the gravitas he carries as human being should never been understated. You will not find many who agree with you on your opinion of him so to speak out as if it were fact is quite offensive. Next time keep your negative comments towards someone who is deserving of it. There is plenty of examples of talentlessness in the landscape of modern music. Elton is an icon for a reason, and will continue to live on in our hearts and our collective thoughts long past his time. But I guess you think you know better than everyone else, so there is no swaying you. The past should be celebrated and not forgotten and as long as Elton is able to go up their and perform their will be hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people waiting to see him perform. I pity you "Bruno" for you surely live a very joyless existence

      Steve

      Sep 14, 2014 at 4:36pm

      It was a great show. My only complaint, where was Daniel?

      Bruno

      Sep 14, 2014 at 5:32pm

      My, my, aren't we sensitive (lol)! What... I'm not entitled to an opinion? If you want to watch and listen to this old fart (and I'm almost as old a fart as he is in case you're wondering) try to replicate his youth, good on ya. A few years ago I watched a concert video of him and, sorry, but it was (for the most part) cringeworthy. I saw him twice in '70 and 71' while he was still relevant (good as he was, he was considered a lightweight) and he was fantastic. So were a lot of current old farts who should have hung it up a while ago. As for my opinion, it's just that... an opinion. Do I think I'm right? Of course! But anyone who thinks Reggie's as good as he was 44 years ago is perfectly entitled their little fantasy. And, by the way... this "Bruno" lives a very joyful existence. It just doesn't include Sir Stuffed Sausage warbling 'Candle in the Wind' for the one millionth time! And don't get me started on 'Bennie and the Jets'...

      Suz

      Sep 14, 2014 at 6:26pm

      Hey don't knock the Lion King, Steve. It's one of the most wildly successful shows on broadway and that includes a fair number more than the 98 yr old Brenda's of the world! What is the final song meant to do? Lull people so they will let Sir Elton call it a night - after rocking the stage for 2 1/2 hours straight he's entitled to slow it down... And it did nothing to diminish the high intensity of the concert for me, and I'm a fan of the original releases in the 70s but I'm no Brenda either.... All the 20 something's in the room were singing along so that's quite a range of appeal. Too bad you missed out on the Disney - it's not for everyone.

      Onurb

      Sep 14, 2014 at 6:35pm

      Boy, this Bruno guy's really getting dumped on for voicing an opinion. As it happens, I agree with him. But I guess most people are pretty insecure and always need their own opinions validated... ;-)

      eltonmania

      Sep 14, 2014 at 9:01pm

      Elton = a Legend
      Bruno = a negative nobody
      ... Great Show! :)