Anyone who knew me as a young teenager knew that one of the artists whose music I was obsessed with was Elton John (not yet a Sir). (Aerosmith and Queen were among the others, in case anyone was interested.)
I first saw Elton John live in Orchard Park (just outside of Buffalo) in 1976 (or maybe it was 1975? Doesn’t matter. I think EJ likely didn’t know what year it was either 😉 ). I took a bus down to the US, with a high school friend. Elton was headlining, and Boz Scaggs and J.J. Cale opened for him. I don’t remember much more from that show except I got rained on, and Elton John DID NOT play Crocodile Rock, much to my absolute fury crushing disappointment dismay. Even though the whole stadium was screaming for it. Instead he told us he was gonna play “Your Song” – apparently a real fucking treat for us poor slobs as he hadn’t played it live in a long time. I was not impressed. I LOVED Crocodile Rock and had no idea at the time that he did not actually like this song, thinking of it as “disposable pop”. Really, Queen Elton? I still shudder at some of the crap you put out when you were a drug-addled mess, in years to come. Makes Crocodile Rock sound kinda alright now, don’t it? But you know me – I do don’t hold a grudge.
Anywho! Ahem. Back to the NOW, sorta.
Two years ago I heard Sir Elton was doing a farewell tour. So I joined his RocketClub fan club in order to have a better chance at decent tickets. Well, my name wasn’t drawn for the those shows so I thought it wasn’t to be. BUT then he announced he was coming back to Toronto the following year and whaddayaknow this time I got an email saying I was being offered the chance to purchase tickets more than a year in advance. Yup – October 9, 2018 I purchased 4 tickets (maximum allowed) to the October 23rd, 2019 show. My sister was staying with me at the time and immediately she snatched up one of the extra tickets (and my good friends Kenn and Jonathan seized the other two). In order to get these decent seats, I had to buy something called a VIP package, which came with a bunch of stuff that I promptly forgot about until I came home from Vancouver Island to find a big box of goodies delivered in my absence.
Finally the long-awaited day arrived and we made it to Toronto, to the ScotiaBank Arena, for THE SHOW!
The show was incredible, and Elton’s voice was still strong. I had low expectations because I knew he had had throat surgery and couldn’t reach the high notes anymore. I was blown away by how good his voice still was. He really belted out those lyrics.
And…HE PLAYED CROCODILE ROCK! I also had no very low expectations of that happening and just about passed out with joy when the song started. No matter that he could no longer sing the falsetto “lah lalalalalahs” – WE sang them for him. “For the fans” flashed across the screen during the number – his not-so-subtle way of letting everyone know he still hates this song, I guess.
It only took 43 years, but I finally got my wish and heard Elton John play Crocodile Rock live. So,
Sir Elton Hercules John, if you’re reading:
All is forgiven.
Love,
The Widow Badass
As if all the wonderful music wasn’t enough (none of the his “coked-out MOR crap” dreck made it to the set list, thankfully), it was also heart-warming to hear him speak of his life and his struggles, and to see his emotional response to us – wiping away tears caused by the love the crowd was showing him.
I probably won’t ever see Sir Elton John in concert again, if he makes good on his promise of no more world tours. But I saw him on Wednesday October 23rd, and once before when I was very young (probably not a Wednesday though), and that will have to do.
Rock on,
The WB
P.S.
Really great post BA!
Thank you! 😁
The concert sounded fantastic. Please don’t hate me but I really dislike Crocodile Rock… but I’m glad he played it just for you.
No worries, Janis 💕 Wouldn’t it be a dull world if we all liked and hated the same things?
I saw Sir Elton John in Saskatoon a few years ago and wasn’t very impressed. The piano wasn’t tuned to his liking (and apparently he doesn’t do sound checks) so he threw his water bottle at someone and stormed off for a while. He came back and never regained it in my opinion. Not much interaction with the crowd.
So this time around I was like nope. Then I heard how fantastic the show was here in Saskatoon. And I was like whoa guess I picked the wrong year to dress up and go out on the town to EJ.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Well, EJ would be the first to admit he can be a bit of a diva 😄 and he refers to his short fuse in his memoir…often!!! Guess all those anger issues weren’t exactly resolved in rehab…😜
The first concert was a success in one way — 2 of my closest friends flew to visit me here because he wasn’t going to Vancouver or Calgary!!
There’s always a silver lining, eh?
Not always, as you well know, but lots of times there is and u try to look for it and be grateful.
Your post reminds me that I made a bad choice — real bad! Elton performed in Vancouver for 3 nights last month. I had planned to buy (second-hand) tickets to that for Richard’s birthday. In a last minute change of heart, I bought tickets to the Seattle Mariner’s Game instead. I know, I know…what was I thinking?! 😀
Ummm…Elton John’s final tour vs. a baseball game? I dunno, Donna…seems like a no brainer to me but then I don’t have a husband anymore. And if mine was still alive I probably wouldn’t have made it to the concert either, so there’s that!
Great you could make that concert, and hear the Crocodile Rock. I like most of EJ’s stuff, also. He’s one of my favorites of the oldies stars.
Thank you, TG💕
What a great event for you to drink in to your soul. I can’t imagine how exciting that was with all the lights, colors and music. Can’t wait until you review the book in your blog…please promise you will.
Oh, and I like Crocodile Rock. It makes you want to dance.
Thanks Jean💕 I’ve never done a proper book review and wasn’t planning on reviewing Me publicly. I’m almost done the book and will say that it is way funnier and more entertaining than I anticipated. Elton has no problem making fun of himself, and I admire that in a person. I think most people would enjoy his memoir.
You didn’t have to go into draws or anything here to get tickets. You just had to be fast when they went on sale. But I couldn’t make it to one, sadly (the nearest concert was about a 3.5 hour drive away, so not too far, but tricky with the fam). Sounds like it was awesome, Deb. I’ll just have to watch Rocketman for the umpteenth time in stead.
Hah! Let’s not speak of how many times I watched it in the theatre…and now I own the DVD 🤘😜🤘. Thanks AJ 💕
Looks like a magical night! I’ve never heard him live, but I imagine it was wonderful!
Yes Dawn, it was magical, for me at least! Like I said, I went to the show with low expectations and they were exceeded!!!
How fun!! I’m curious to know the story behind the broach! Did u see rocket man the movie? I LOVED Queen and adored Bohemian rhapsody. I cried through the whole movie knowing the ending. 😩
Did I see the movie? Only 3 times, and bought the DVD the first day it was released 🤣. I loved Bohemian Rhapsody too, the first time I saw it. Watched it again recently, and could now see some of flaws that certain critics were speaking of. Still a good flick but I think Rocketman is the better of the 2. Thanks Pam💕
😂😂
Love the concert photos and how you describe your feelings when Elton sang Crocodile Rock! I felt the same way when Rod Stewart finally performed Sailing in concert. After waiting more than 20 years to hear it, I literally wept. 🙂 #OldRockersRule!
Yes!!! You get it, Debbie 🤘🥰🤘Thank you 💕
Totally! 😀 #rockchickbliss Rock on, Deb. 🤘😎
Rock your bad self on as well, Debbie 🤘😎
I’ve seen you on an airplane with just your tunes on your phone and a set of earbuds. I can easily imagine you at a concert with the Sir Himself live 🙂
I’ve never been much of a concert person. I blame being raised in the wilds of the north far away from anything remotely interesting. I do however remember one particular frigid winter night in a local bar dancing my heart out to Crocodile Rock. Ahhh – good times!
Perhaps what Sir Elton doesn’t want to realize is that it’s not necessarily the music itself that matters but the memories it evokes.
🤣🤣🤣 Yes, I can get lost in the 🎶, for sure.
😆
Whoops, comment got sent before I finished! Thank you Joanne 💕
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I’ve never seen him. Sometimes a final tour goes on for years. I had tickets to see Cher on her final tour but the concert was cancelled for health reasons. I believe she’s doing it again although I haven’t seen anything remotely local. EJ is lucky to be alive. So many were lost during the drug days.
Cher is coming to Toronto next month. I believe she has had multiple farewell tours 🤣. EJ IS lucky to be alive and still kicking and he speaks of this in the book. He says it’s a miracle he didn’t get AIDS.
*so jealous* I don’t know why he didn’t get AIDS. Freddie Mercury did.
In the book he explains why he thinks he didn’t become HIV positive. I won’t spoil it here 😉
Now I have to read it!
Crocodile Rock was my first introduction to EJ. I’m pleased you got to hear it live. Sure, it may have taken you two decades to hook up, so to speak, but now I have to ask: was the wait worth it? Love your photos, old and new. Such fun you have
Well…4 decades but who’s counting ☺️ Thank you Ally. Yes it was so worth it!!! 💕
Hi Deb! Good for you for taking the plunge and buying those tickets so far in advance. Your wishes came true. And I think Crocodile Rock is perfect for dancing and “rocking out!” so I can just imagine hearing it live with your friends. Thanks for sharing your adventure with all of us! ~Kathy
Thank you, Kathy, for your kind words! 💕
Does seeing the movie count?? I never knew he did not write his own songs or quite how seriously crazy he really was/is. Fine line between genius and mad. Love his music.
Counts with me, Suzanne! He always worked with a lyricist – Bernie Taupin, for the most part. The book is chock-full of his craziness 😜
WOW! That is so F__king COOL!
Thanks Don!🤘😎🤘
I did not know the story behind EJ not liking Crocodile Rock. I could belt it out right now and know (almost) all of the words. The swag is a major surprise. Thank you for describing more of the stage. I see what you mean about the edges. I think I mentioned to you, Deb, I have seen EJ recently in interviews. Really interesting on how genuine and honest he is (my opinion) and a great sense of humour, always. I especially love the photo of 16 year-old Deb. I think I have a similar photo, where we look like sisters. Must be the hair🙂
Thanks Erica! EJ’s honesty and genuineness comes across in the book and came across in his performance as well (in my opinion as well 😁). I’d love to see your similar photo one day 💕
What is so interesting about Elton John is how he became an icon for Britain, a global ambassador so to speak, for a national brand through his creativity, musical genius and progressive social views before it was cool to be progressive. He also played a significant role during and after Lady Di’s death. At a time when she was increasingly isolated and oppressed by the weight of the monarchy, he emerged as a powerful friend and voice, in her support. So yes, he is a great musician, but beyond that, he is a powerful contributor to the U.K. brand. It would be interesting to know how he feels about Brexit….
Lucky you to get tickets to see him perform and you got your wish too!
Ben & Peta
Thanks guys 💕- I never thought of Elton John as a brand ambassador for Britain although in his book he speaks of never ever entertaining becoming a tax exile like so many other Britons have done. Despite having homes around the world, England (and now Canada to some extent) is home. He mentioned on stage that his kids now have their Canadian passports as well!
Hi Deb,
Very jealous that you saw this icon of our age not once, but twice! Back in the day, Elton was too “pop” for me and my crowd, (But totally Aerosmith, Boston, Kansas etc. And of course, The Dead) but in my “maturity” I do admit to enjoying his music. Kinda nostalgic.
Definitely a lot of nostalgia going on for me too! Thanks Nancy💕
How fun is that?!!! It sounds magical. I have a friend whose daughter is the lyricist for the new Elton John musical, The Devil Wears Prada. She’s only 30. Can you IMAGINE?
Wow! I didn’t even know a musical for that was in the works. How exciting!!!
Deb, this post sent me on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Elton’s greatest hits album was the soundtrack for my 17-year-old life, and the Tommy movie soundtrack also was part of my soundscape. I love that photo of 16-year-old you.
Jude
Thank you Jude 💕🤘
What an experience. I know that had to be one fabulous show. I am new to your blog so I am not certain if you have seen Rocketman but have a feeling yu have probably seen it a dozen times. We thought the movie was fabulous.
The Eagles came to El Paso years ago, and I regret not taking out a small signature loan to go see them. Hope they will come back again.
Hehehe! Have seen it 4 times 😄…so far! And I own the DVD now. I hope you get to see the Eagles too 💕
I got goose bumps reading this! The pictures were marvelous and you look like a little kid with all your own energetic selfies! I am delighted that it was such a good show and that you heard Crocodile Rock! That was my favorite too!
You guessed it, Lisa – I am the biggest little kid when it comes to doing things I enjoy 😊. I can’t help it! I forewarned my concert mates that I would be singing, dancing, hooting and hollering if the show was any good. And I did all of the above 😉. Thanks 💕
The “Rocketman” bio-film was disappointing but I’ve always admired Sir Elton both on-and-off-stage.
The man is a legend.
And he married a Canadian, so…
I’m sorry you found the film disappointing. I thought it was well done.