Anchorage Daily News

Sir Elton John conquered a sold out Anchorage crowd Wednesday night at the Sullivan Arena with a concert that ran over 2 1/2 hours. Sporting an ornate long jacket with tails, embroidered with musical notes and the words "Music Magic," he leaped into "Your Song" without a word, the tender ballad that started his career path in 1970.

Then he turned to the crowd and said, "It took me 30 years to make it to Alaska. Thank God I'm here! This is the 49th state that I've played."

Moving quickly through "Sixty Years On," "I Need You to Turn To" and "Daniel," Elton showed a powerful vocal and piano style that seemed to be a departure from his usual soft recorded approach.

Showing off some wild keyboard embellishments, belting out "Honky Cat," "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer," he continued to pummel a thrilled and attentive crowd that gave him a glowing standing ovation after nearly every song.

The show reached a peak with "Philadelphia Freedom," which brought the crowd to its feet followed with "Candle in the Wind," which brought out the lighters and glow sticks in homage to Princess Diana.

He had a lot of gravel in his voice, but he really belted it out. The show, for which he was the only person on stage, never paused. It was a remarkable, even serious, show for a musician without backup band, singers or even percussion. Elton's passion and connection with the keyboard is unique and heartfelt.

On "Benny and the Jets" the audience joined in singing. They absolutely loved "Crocodile Rock," the high point of the show.

He then walked across the stage and signed autographs, a lot of them, maybe 50 -- including a bra.

The show closed with "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," which seemed timed to the fact that the late Alaska summer sun was just about to do that. He said he didn't know if he'd make it back to Alaska again, but he did invite people back to see him again on Friday when he plays a second show in the Sullivan.

Leland Smith writes and jams with other musicians in Anchorage.

ADVERTISEMENT