Elton John finds new fans in Reno
by Michael Alian, Outpost Staff
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Matt Saylor is now a fan showing off a front page article about the recent Elton John concert and his autographed front-row ticket. Photo by: Michael Alian |
Matt Saylor wasn't an Elton John fan before.
Now he is.
"It was the most exciting night in my life," said Saylor, 23. "It was my first major person concert. He was such an entertainer. I was awe struck."
Saylor was lucky. He was supposed to be dozens of rows back for the February 20 Elton John concert at Reno's Lawlor Events Center. But those just average seats turned into VIP seats- the first row.
"It was by chance a promoter came up to me," Saylor said. "I promised to make an idiot out of myself. I was very skeptical."
Even VIPs from local casinos wanted to know how Saylor scored his first-class seats.
"The people behind me were VIPs and wanted to know how I got the tickets," Saylor said. "I went from the upper concourse at least 20 rows back to the stage. I could practically touch the stage."
Thousands of other northern Nevada Elton John fans
weren't as lucky. A computer glitch at BASS ticket outlets
in the area made getting tickets tough. Some fans didn't
even get the chance to see John live because of a lottery
system.
Jay Pickett, 28, stood in line for about five hours. Pickett is a music major at the University of Nevada, Reno. For him the long wait and $60 seat prices were well worth it.
"He gave us his all for three hours," Pickett said. "It was an incredible concert."
One of Pickett's greatest joys during the concert was the music itself.
"I thought the piano solo in 'Empty Garden' was impressive," Pickett said. "I've never heard him play a piano solo like that."
Elton John fans not only had the chance to embrace his music, they had the opportunity to see a real showman at work.
"The eye contact and everything was great," Pickett said. "The concert, musically, was amazing."
Saylor even had the chance to get Elton John's autograph and touch his hand.
"He was walking by, working the crowd," Saylor said. "I waved like an idiot, and our hands touched. I thought, I just touched the same hand Princess Di and Versace touched."
Even though Saylor admits he wasn't an Elton John fan before the concert, all that changed when John set foot on Lawlor's stage.
"My favorite moment was the first time I got to see him, when he first came out on stage," Saylor said. "I couldn't believe I was there. Seeing him in person was just amazing."
Throughout the concert, Saylor had a special connection with Elton John.
"After each song, he'd get up, pound the piano, almost encouraging himself," Saylor said. "He would look at me and I'd do some hand gesture. The most meaningful one was sign language for 'I Love You,' and he signed it back."
For the first time in his life, Saylor lost control. Not just because he had front-row tickets. Saylor saw a music megastar in person.
"It was the first time I totally lost it," Saylor said. "I usually pride myself on being totally in control."
Posted March 3, 2000
Copyright 2000 Nevada Outpost
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