I was a freshman in college when my roommate brought in this album from this new guy - Elton John. We were blown away. So Elton has a special place in my musical heart.
He does a great show. Lots of his standards. He puts in a lot of energy, gets the crowd going, etc. And his songs...... The only performer that has more classic songs that I have heard is a guy, what's his name? Paul something.
At any rate, the performance was great. It's the venue that sucks. I heard The Who in the Bridgestone Arena a few months ago and I though the same thing: the sound is terrible. Granted, my hearing is not what it used to be. But they have the sound cranked waaaay too loud. It sounded to me as if his voice was distorting. The piano sounded good, as did the drums. But I could hardly hear the background singers. And the bass was just so-so. Everything sounded 'mashed together', if you will. There was the occasional feedback through someone's mike that told me they were cranking the sound a little too much.
All-and-all a pretty good show. He did an encore and signed autographs prior to the encore. That made me wish I had brought my vinyl album covers for him to sign. (I was down on the floor.)
One more criticism: The bank of spot lights/strobes was RIGHT IN FRONT of the video board over the stage. Couldn't EVEN see it from where I sat on the floor. Who's idea was that?
I'm glad I saw Elton before he gets too old to tour. But the Bridgestone Arena is a terrible venue. Ryman Auditorium is much better.