Fan report by David Wright.

One of the great things about being an Elton John fan is the variety of shows we see over the years; with the band, solo, with Ray Cooper, with Billy Joel, with an orchestra and now we have another one for the list – a new band and Leon Russell.

As The Roundhouse is a standing venue, die-hard fans queued from mid-morning for the 8pm start of a show that was part of the BBC Electric Proms and was broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 (watch/listen on the BBC website).

The early information from the staff at the venue was for a 90 minute show. This would have been a little disappointing as we were hoping to hear the whole of "The Union." Once inside the venue news filtered through from fans at home (thank you Tammi!) that Elton and Leon had been interviewed on the radio and had asked to extend the show to 2 1/2 hours. This meant that BBC Radio 2’s coverage was extended from 10pm till 11pm.

Elton started with a five song set of his own opening with "Burn Down The Mission" giving an early indication of the joys to follow. The new band with a brass section and backing singers adding much variety.

There were two special guests; "Plan B performed an unimpressive version of "I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues." Maybe it was in the wrong key for him, maybe he was under rehearsed, but it simply didn’t work. I was only relieved he didn’t rap.

Leon Russell then arrived to the stage in a wheelchair to perform a three song set. Instead of exiting the stage to his dressing room, Elton took a seat to the far left of the stage, watching with the enthusiasm of the dedicated fan he is.

Leon’s third song was "Masquerade" sung by the second special guest, Rumer. Now this was more like it. Rumer was new to me and I was very impressed, she has a lovely voice and I’m sure we will hear more of her.

Then it was time for "The Union." They performed all 14 tracks on the standard release. I shan’t review the CD as that has been done elsewhere and you will have your own views by now.

Personally I loved it, the main highlight being "Hey Ahab." One of the backing singers has an incredible voice which she gets to show in this song more than any other. The new songs we well received by the audience and rapturously by those of us at the front.

It was then time for Leon’s second set. As someone who knows nothing of his work I thoroughly enjoyed this up tempo set. Then it was Elton again to close the show with four more songs. "The Bitch Is Back" is a great way to end and a trombone solo showed what a difference the new band made.

Elton seemed to enjoy himself enormously as did the band. I hope Leon had fun too, but as he didn’t speak and barely moved, we can’t be sure. I can only hope his health improves but you have to admire someone who seems frail but can still play the piano with such style.

All in all, one of the great nights to be an Elton John fan. We are Blessed.

Following is the complete set list of the London show on October 28, 2010:

Elton


• Burn Down The Mission
  
• Levon
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Ballad of a Well Known Gun
  
• I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues – with Plan B
  
  Leon
  
  
• Delta Last
  
• A Song For You
  
• Masquerade – with Rumer
  
  Elton & Leon
  
  
• If It Wasn’t For Bad
  
• Eight Hundred Dollar Shoes
  
• Hey Ahab
  
• Gone To Shiloh
  
• Jimmy Rodger’s Dream
  
• There’s No Tomorrow
  
• Monkey Suit
  
• The Best Part Of The Day
  
• A Dream Come True
  
• I Should Have Sent Roses
  
• When Love Is Dying
  
• Hearts Have Turned To Stone
  
• Never Too Hold (To Hold Somebody)
  
• In The Hands Of Angels
  
  Leon
  
  
• Tightrope
  
• Prince of Peace/ Out in the Woods
  
• Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms
  
• Stranger In A Strange Land
  
  Elton
  
  
• Your Song
  
• Take Me To The Pilot
  
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
  Encore – Elton & Leon
  
  
• Hey Ahab

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