By: Hannah Stock
Elton John said farewell to Omaha Tuesday with the music that has made him one of the most iconic and beloved entertainers through the years.
The show started with the infamous piano keys of “Bennie and the Jets” and I was back to being the 5-year-old little girl that sat in my car seat as my mother blasted the song through the radio speakers.
John is known for his eye-catching fashion, and he wore a variety of outfits that included custom suits, sequin jackets, and lavish robes.
Tuesday night’s sold-out concert at the newly renamed CHI Health Center, was a trip down memory lane for all his fans at the show. He sang all the classics, “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Candle in the Wind,” and my favorite “Your Song,” while still hitting all the notes as he did when he first sang them.
When he cued the audience to sing “la, la la la la la” in “Crocodile Rock,” there was no hesitation across the arena.
He doesn’t jump on top of his piano anymore or kick up both legs while pounding the keyboard the way he used to, as shown in a career-spanning video montage. Yet he stayed vigorous, still striking the piano keys and singing with passion.
In between songs, John discussed what went into the making of that particular tune and why he considered it to be special. Each part of the concert was a deeper inside look of his music journey as he told stories about recording old albums and even having songs get picked up by Aretha Franklin.
“I loved her so much,” he said about the late singer.
He described how “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” was his most personal song and the importance of the work his foundation is doing to fight HIV and AIDS
John expressed gratitude to all of his fans saying “”I’ve had the most wonderful time making records, touring, playing with the band. It’s been an incredible journey and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve given me.”
Having spunky energy until the very end, John began the encore with “Your Song” followed by the show-ending “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” dressed in a robe before he revealed a Gucci track suit underneath.
Rolling Stone, which gave the farewell tour a rave review, calls the tour “the most bombastic, elaborate, high-tech arena show he’s ever attempted” because of its outstanding visuals and rare old footage.
The Rocket Man returned for his encore dressed in a pink robe to perform “Your Song” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” as his piano glided across the stage thanks to the help of a motorized platform. He then removed the robe to reveal a tracksuit bearing his name and was carried up to the screen on another platform as an updated image of him on the Yellow Brick Road flashed on the screen.
Going out on his own terms is so very Elton John at his best.
