“There aren’t many people that great,” Elton John remarked, dedicating ‘Border Song’ to Aretha Franklin during a gig in Dublin as part of his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour. Many in the crowd visibly agreed, appreciating that they were in the presence of one of the few “great” musician legends.
The atmosphere was electric from the moment the Rocket Man appeared at the side of the stage, receiving a standing ovation before even getting to the piano. Ali McMahon was excited to see Elton in concert one last time. His songs “have been the soundtrack to my life,” she said, “they just have that ability to speak to you.”
“He certainly delivered,” according to Jacinta Goff, who has attended six of the Pinball Wizard’s 28 concerts in Ireland. She considered the “epic” show at the 3Arena in March to be the best of them all.
The huge grand piano occasionally glided across the elaborate stage, which swept down into the crowd. The centrepiece was a massive screen showing expertly produced videos for Elton’s songs when it was not displaying live footage of the man himself or the band.
“It was a spectacle from beginning to end” in Ali’s opinion.
The 76-year-old music superstar gave it his all for two and a half hours, only taking two brief breaks for costume changes. The concert reached a scintillating climax when Elton preformed bops such as ‘The Bitch Is Back’ and ‘I’m Still Standing’.
Dancing was irresistible as confetti rained down during an energetic rendition of ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting’.
“There wasn’t anybody still in a seat,” Ali said, “everyone was compelled to get up and dance and sing along.”
Jacinta was surprised but delighted to see young people dancing along with those who are young at heart. She “was nearly in tears” as the concert drew to a close with classic ballads, including ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’ and ‘Your Song’.
Before closing with ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’, the record-breaking musician told the sold-out 3Arena that “coming to Ireland has always been a pleasure.”
“I will miss you and your kindness,” he continued, “you never hear about kindness in The Daily Mail.” From his first gig in the National Stadium in 1979 to performances across the country, Elton John has amazed Ireland for over four decades. His final concerts in the 3Arena in March were equally impressive, creating fond memories to cherish for a long time to come.
