REVIEW: Elton John Red Piano
- Posted on September 19, 2007 3:51 PM
- 2 comments
Elton John Red Piano
5th September 2007
O2 Arena
Those expecting a regular live Elton experience should have taken warning - they might need a pacemaker. The 'Red Piano' show came direct from Las Vegas' infamous Caesars Palace resort, for one night only in the O2 Arena.
Having never been to any Elton gig, let alone a regular one, I went in with an open mind and up for a good time.
And the show didn't disappoint. This was exce$$ with a capital S. Legendary photographer and visionary, David LaChapelle, was responsible for creative direction and setting and from the moment the huge neon letters spelling out Elton's name descended from the ceiling, it was unmistakable Vegas-pastiche mixed with LaChapelle's inimitable, flamboyant style.
Elton's choice of opening number though was a strange one. "Bennie and the Jets" rang through the arena more akin to a mid-show toilet-stop than the start of something spectacular. The audience sat in their seats patiently, awaiting a true Elton show-stopper, but he saved these for the latter part of the show, preferring to litter the former part with more 'low-key' numbers.
The set is truly something special. I have never seen a video wall the size of the one behind Elton. Apparently costing well into the millions, it was a sight to behold. And made to use spectacularly by LaChapelle's inspired imagery; psycadellic explosions of colour; powerful visions of devastating war and Justin Timberlake as Elton, circa 1975.
After a huge pinball drops from the ceiling to signal the start of "Pinball Wizard", the show really comes into its own. Giant inflatable pinballs rain from the rafters, and 100ft high images of Pamela Anderson pole-dancing in a bikini to "The Bitch is Back" are nothing short of perfect. Inflatable legs in a garter spring up towards the rear of the stage. A lipstick tube shoots up from the floor. But rather more impressively, a huge pair of gigantic boobs inflate over the unsuspecting audience - surely in a homage to Pam.
"Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)" signals the encore - and with more inflatable objects springing up all over the stage (a huge, part-skinned banana, apples with protruding erect cores, upside-down ice cream cones et al) even the nipples now shooting out confetti - the audience are finally on their feet and appreciating Elton for what he is; a hit-making talent of epic proportions.
"Your Song" ends the show, with Elton in front of more inflatables (this time though only letters, spelling out the word, 'LOVE').
And with the final chords echoing around the arena, Elton descends beneath the stage on his glorious red piano - only to arise again in Vegas when the show begins its next set of dates at Caesars. Thankfully, there's talk of him bringing the show to the UK again next year, for a full-on tour. If that's the case, better get saving now.
- AW
Did you see Elton in concert? What did you think? Post your reviews and random musings in the comments section.
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Comments (2)
Louise Webb
Elton John is the most amazing musician, on Earth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Most inspirational!! And I'm 23 years old!!
Posted on December 16, 2007 7:09 PM
Moonkwean
Elton definately is a talent!! But the Lachapple video I could do without. I will never be able to hear His great song " Someone saved my Life Today" without that awful visual of a woman's crotch on fire..... Awful
Posted on March 28, 2008 4:06 AM
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