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Elton John’s UK solo concert performance was a coup for the KC Stadium. John Maffin was in the audience to witness one of the most spectacular nights in the city’s history.
It was billed as a sensational first concert event for the Kingston Communications Stadium in Hull. On what turned out to be a spectacular summer evening of entertainment, Elton John in Concert exceeded all expectations - and put the city firmly on the map as a major UK venue.
With the stadium packed to the rafters and pitch seating full to capacity, a smiling and jazzily bespectacled Elton strode out on to a brilliant stage set which complimented the futuristic KC stadium in its modernity.
As two giant colour screens showed close up shots, the blue suited megastar sat at his 9 foot black piano and launched into a two and a half hour non stop repertoire of world famous hits and lesser known gems. His keyboard work was unblemished and his voice commanding.
The performance was awesome and repeatedly brought the audience to its feet. In no time they were dancing in the aisles. The rendition of “Rocket Man” was vocal art in overdrive.
With the rewritten Candle in the Wind lyric now imprinted on the psyche and tear ducts of those who mourned the death of England’s Rose, Sir Elton performed the original version with meaning and feeling.
Soon the audience were thrilled by renditions of Sacrifice, Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word and Daniel. Lesser known numbers like Moon River gave a welcome breadth to a repertoire already graced by two brilliantly performed instrumental numbers.
The concert started in daylight and was later bathed in a wonderful yellow glow from a watery sunset to the sound of Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.
Finally, vibrant stage lighting took over the baton and fittingly illuminated a series of thumping knee-tapping tunes that had the fans rocking in the aisles.
After several curtain calls, and with the stadium’s neon roof level lighting now encircling the arena, Elton ended his extravaganza with Circle of Life.
In its so far short life, the KC has already seen the crowd go nova during its first under 21 football international. It has hosted League football and rugby games and will soon add other major sporting events to the list.
Having already performed in Russia, Norway, Sweden, Malta, Italy and Germany on the tour, Elton praised the KC arena enthusiastically. The capture of this unique UK solo event was certainly a coup for the city. That it was such a runaway success will almost certainly serve as a catalyst for further spectaculars.
For details of how to purchase your collectors edition souvenir programme, click HERE
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