Elton John live: An unforgettable evening in Reno
by Michael Alian, Outpost Staff
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Elton John at the 2000 Grammy awards. Photo courtesy of www.eltonhjohn.com |
Medusa: the most famous of the monster figures known as Gorgons and the name of superstar Elton John's latest tour.
Elton John's stop in Reno: A concert northern Nevada fans won't soon forget.
It was the chance of a lifetime.
With a sold-out crowd at Lawlor Events Center, John crafted a three-hour, 27 song show. Not a show full of dazzling special effects, but a show with one of the most memorable performers of the last 30 years. Subtle lighting that changed with the song and mood made the concert more intimate. The lights were attached to Medusa-looking arms.
The packed house was up in arms for John the first time his fingers tickled the ivories. His first song and the ideal attention-getter was "Can you feel the love tonight?" There was a real feeling of love in Lawlor on February 20.
Elton John fans love Elton
Hard-core fans were out in force, sitting everywhere from row 1 to 21 and beyond. But this crowd was different- older and more reserved. Many women sported Elton pins, one man even shed his shirt to show his appreciation for Sir Elton John. If you didn't know, he was knighted in 1998.
That's not the only award John has taken home, deservingly. At the 2000 Grammy awards, he received an award for the MusiCares Person of the Year. It honors John's help in the fight to find a cure for AIDS with the Elton John AIDS Foundation. He's also walked home with the American Music award for favorite adult contemporary artist, a Grammy for best pop vocal and an Oscar for best achievement in music.
This much big name talent actually stopped in Reno. It's encouraging for anyone searching for culture in northern Nevada. It's nice to know it doesn't always require a road trip to San Francisco to see a top-name act.
Hot, Expensive Show
What an act Elton John turned out to be. Three hours and this 52-year old hardly broke a sweat. Wish the same could be said for the audience. As with just about any performance with thousands of people at Lawlor, it was extremely hot. Some people even resorted to fanning themselves with their high-priced programs. By the way, why are they $15 each? Shirts were $30 and up. Someone is getting very rich off the memorabilia at these events.
Even the price for tickets was hefty. Elton John fans shelled-out at least $60 for a seat. Expensive for most concerts, but $60 for Elton John was a small price to pay for a special evening with a superstar.
On the
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Int. Elton John Fan Club
Elton John plays for the crowd
Elton John is one superstar who can please a crowd. Ballads are his bread and butter, but when he started belting out the fun tunes, the audience was on its feet and moving to the good vibrations during hit songs like "Rocket Man." Even John was stomping on the piano pedals and grooving to the fun tunes.
Tunes that melt your heart are what John really does best. This concert didn't disappoint. Some stand-outs were "I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues" and "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." This concert was best enjoyed with your main squeeze.
John's been playing piano since he was four, and he proves practice makes perfect. Even though Lawlor can be an acoustic nightmare, John's piano sounded like it was in your own living room. To add a little excitement John would play riffs. These suspenseful departures from the well-known versions were new to the audience. Judging by the wild cheers, they liked them. Of course, ballads were an even bigger hit.
Another nice touch was two large screens showing John performing live. People stuck with nose-bleed seats were especially thankful. There was also a video tribute to assassinated Beatle John Lennon as well as scenes from the movie "The Lion King." John scored a hit on the "Lion King" soundtrack.
The concert ended in what seemed like just moments. The finale was appropriate with the song "Candle in the Wind." After two teaser endings, John was gone. But for northern Nevadans, he won't soon be forgotten.
Posted March 3, 2000
Copyright 2000 Nevada Outpost
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