Fan report by Matt Isaacs.

"I’ve not been very well the last couple of days" he told a jam packed audience at London’s Carling Apollo. "I’m going to start with several new songs". Bearing in mind the soaring quality of all the tracks from "Peachtree Road", nobody was complaining. His voice sounded better than ever. There is a dexterity and richness that has developed from the majestic orchestral concert at Birmingham in June 2004.

Even though the band have only played these a handful of times, and the CD has not been out that long, these songs have already grown in a live setting. "The Weight of the World" set things off beautifully, whilst the Elvis influenced "Porch Swing in Tupelo" benefited enormously from the awesome Atlanta choir. "Answer in the Sky" reeked with spiritual optimism, and "Turn The Lights out When You Leave" was superb. I’m so glad this is the next single.

OK, on to the standard. "My Elusive Drug", obviously about Elton and his relationship with David Furnish, was so passionately delivered by Elton. The amount grit, fire, and love into a song, which is already proved to be up there with "Your Song" etc as a top notch classic, brought tears to my eyes.

"They Call Her The Cat" which he announced was about “a sex change!” went down a treat, although tonight’s crowd were reserved to start off with. To all the people in the stalls, the one in the brown leather jacket wigging out? Yes it was me! To the four ladies dancing in the middle of the 10th row, you all looked stunningly beautiful!

"Freaks In Love" is a real grower. This has a real potential as single also. Davey added some lovely touches on this. "All That I’m Allowed" rounded off the songs in perfect style. This song should have at least hit the top 10. Sometimes I really do wonder about our record buying public! For next year's stadium concerts, "Too Many Tears" would a really good choice for those kinds of concerts. Just a thought ...

"Sorry Seems To be The Hardest Word" was a buzz to hear live in such an intimate setting. "Daniel" was played immaculately, and almost exactly as the original. "Take Me To The Pilot" just keeps getting better live. Bob Birch keeps some irresistible bass lines on the outro. "Rocket Man" was the showstopper it was always it, changing form once again. This version was absolutely unbelievable. "I Guess That’s why they call it the Blues" ended with a nice bluesy play-off between Elton and Davey. "Tiny Dancer" was a nice calm before the storm. "Are You Ready for Love" and especially "Philadelphia Freedom" simply brought the house down.

I always like the way Elton follows his hits with the die-hard favourites. "Levon"is fast becoming as important to the set as "Rocket Man". I just adore the way The whole band shifts a gear towards the end. "Burn Down The Mission" has been sorely missed from the set, and proved to be a dramatic and elevating as ever. "Border Song" with the choir, Guy’s wonderful organ work, and Elton singing his rear-end off. Forget it!

A charged "Don’t Let The Sun" gave way to furious reading of "I’m Still Standing" and "The Bitch is Back". At the point one had to go the rim off the stage. Thanks to the all made those last few numbers so memorable. Florence especially. I hope those pictures came out alright! "Bite Your Lip" live just drives live. The amount energy this song creates is unbelievable. "Saturday Night" had everyone going ballistic, whilst a solo "Your Song" brought an unreal to a close. Except for a drum stick and a signed CD sleeve from the great knight himself.

This was my 9th concert over 12 years, and he keeps getting better. Only more question remains. Shall it be Bolton FC or Bercy in Paris next year?. Only one answer remains. Both of course!

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