Disappointing
by SRW on 8/25/25DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center - DurhamRating: 2 out of 5I went into this show with really high expectations and left feeling deeply disappointed. The set list itself was promising—so many classic Elton John hits that should have made for an incredible evening. Unfortunately, the execution fell far short. The performer’s voice simply didn’t suit the music; it lacked the richness and tone. Instead of capturing that unique sound, his delivery felt flat.
What made matters worse was the pacing—he sang nearly every song much too fast, which stripped away the emotion and nuance of the music. Songs that should have built slowly and carried weight ended up sounding rushed and hollow. It felt less like a tribute to Elton John and more like someone trying to get through the set list as quickly as possible.
The overall effect was jarring. I actually found myself dreading the second half of the show and wanted to leave at intermission, but my husband wasn’t on board with that idea. By the time it ended, I felt drained rather than uplifted.
It’s a shame, because the song selections had so much potential. With the right performer, this could have been an unforgettable night. Instead, it turned out to be one of the most disappointing shows I’ve attended in a long time.