Set list for Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour

[latitude]

1. "Bennie and the Jets"
2. "All the Girls Love Alice"
3. "I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues"
4. "Border Song"
5. "Tiny Dancer"
6. "Philadelphia Freedom"
7. "Indian Sunset"
8. "Rocket Man"
9. "Take Me to the Pilot"
10. "Someone Saved My Life Tonight"
11. "Levon"
12. "Candle in the Wind"
13. "Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding"
14. "Burn Down the Mission"
15. "Believe"
16. "Daniel"
17. "Sad Songs (Say So Much)"
18. "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
19. "The Bitch is Back"
20. "I'm Still Standing"
21. "Crocodile Rock"
22. "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting"
23. "Your Song"
24. "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"

Not bad. Starting with 'Bennie...'. Makes perfect sense. And ending with 'Your Song' and 'GYBR' is perfect. 'Indian Sunset' and 'Border Song' are kinda surprising. Nice. FFF/LLB is right in the middle. Interesting. What do you think? And I wonder if he'll keep the same set-list throughout.

Of course 20 of the 24 songs are from the 70's, but what did we really expect?

Hey, one great thing is---Ray Cooper is part of the band!!! 

[latitude]

A review of the show:
 
Elton John has begun his long goodbye.

Nearly 50 years after the release of his debut album, the singular singer-songwriter kicked off "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" world tour Saturday night with a exuberant, retrospective show in Allentown's PPL Center.

Throughout the two-and-a-half-hour-plus concert, the 71-year-old paired his seemingly bottomless bag of hits with a selection of deeper cuts he found personally meaningful. More than two years in the making, the tour marks one last trek around the world before he retires from the road.

"There has been one constant thing in the journey, and that's you guys out there," he told the crowd mid-set. "As much as I like making records -- and I do -- there's nothing quite like playing to an audience of human beings."

He wasted no time showing his appreciation. Clad in a sequin-lined, pinstripe tailcoat and his signature heart-shaped sunglasses, John leapt into the irresistible "Bennie & the Jets," barking the lyrics over the song's tramping rhythm. A swirling, technicolor backdrop played on the massive screen behind Elton and his band.

"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album cut "All the Girls Love Alice" came next, but another hit, "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues," wasn't far behind.

For "Border Song," John paid tribute to his heroes, with images of icons including Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali and Aretha Franklin (who covered the song) projected onto people's white clothing on the screens.

The visuals, for all their high production values, at times distracted from the show rather than complementing it. "Tiny Dancer," arriving early in the set, was set to a busy, attractively shot montage of people moving about Los Angeles. The short film's hints at drama drew eyes away from the musicians, leaving one the night's finest numbers unable to fully lift off.

Sparer scenery often made for a more engrossing performance, as during the epic "Indian Sunset." Lacking the usual hummable hook, the song nonetheless made an impression with a passionate build, courtesy of percussionist Ray Cooper, the only band member to accompany John on the song.

A soaring rendition of "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)" came next, and closed with a riveting extended solo from John. It was topped a few songs later by "Levon," which the singer launched into with a trademark grin. A rollicking, 10-minute-plus version culminated with John and guitarist Davey Johnstone in dueling solos. John was left doubled over, catching his breath, as the crowd roared.

The first act, though, ended with a whimper: A stripped-down take on the Marilyn Monroe tribute "Candle in the Wind" felt sallow, despite its usually anthemic chorus. Perhaps it was the glacial crawl of John and his piano along a track across the stage throughout the song; maybe it was the unsettling video backdrop that saw a Monroe lookalike by turns preening and bawling.

After a brief retreat backstage, John returned -- in a rainbow-colored, diamond-print suit -- for a second set that never let up. It began with the whirling, baroque "Funeral for a Friend" and the rocking "Love Lies Bleeding," the same one-two punch that opens the tour's namesake album.


In contrast to Ozzy Osbourne's farewell tour, which kicked off its North American leg in the same arena a week ago, "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" felt like a proper goodbye: Career montages and nostalgic references abound throughout the set on the video screens. The singer reminisced about his career-long collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin, and he took time to explain why he's retiring: To spend more time with his husband and young children.

"I know you'll understand that," he said to the crowd.

During "Believe," videos highlighted his decades of charitable work.

"If there's one thing I learned in my life, it's the extraordinary healing power of love, compassion and giving," he urged the crowd.

Dedicated to the late rapper Mac Miller, who died Friday, a powerful and commanding "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" earned the night's most enthusiastic crowd response to that point -- until the unrelenting series of bangers that immediately followed. A rip-roaring charge through "The Bitch is Back," "I'm Still Standing," "Crocodile Rock" and "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" closed out the main set with the crowd moving and shouting along.

When John re-emerged for the encore in a robe, the audience remained rapt as he slowed down with the tune that "broke open the journey," his early hit "Your Song." The show closed, fittingly, with "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," dedicated to John's husband and children. He departed, after removing the robe to reveal a tracksuit, by riding a platform into a video of the sky. The send-off was far from subtle -- but why start now?

[poconopaej]

I was hoping for a little less of the regular hits he always plays but did get a few he hasn't sang in awhile or rarely.
Indian sun set was good & having Ray Copper there was great,he is just so full of energy & brings some of Ej& Bt songs to life... Thought the concert was one of Eltons better ones.Elton was very animated & full of energy .Seem to picked this set list to have more uptempo & rocking songs.The moving piano was nice thing & different,the thunder & lightning was great adition to FFF, the band played & sounded great too..

[rocketman]

Not many surprises on this list...with the exception of Border Song and Indian Sunset, he's done them all recently, including Believe, as part of The Red Piano. Alice has been part of the set for years now - he played it two years ago when I saw him (same venue) as part of the WCN Tour which also included every song on this list besides the aforementioned three, including an extended Levon, which certainly did sizzle.

I'm sure it was a great show anyway, but in some ways, Elton is a prisoner of his own gaudy 1970's success. I still think his set list during the 60th Birthday was much more diverse and deeper than this. But as a final tour, it seems that, unless the list changes as the Tour (drags) goes on, the only way he's going to enjoy rousing feedback by the audience of mostly casual fans is to play the same...hits...over...and...over.

[latitude]

I read somewhere very recently that Elton does NOT like to rehearse and, in fact, for these shows they used a surrogate Elton to rehearse. So, even if they change the set-list at times, I don't think there will be any rare deep cuts. Also, he *is* going to want to play his most popular songs to get the biggest applause.

Glad you enjoyed it, poconopaej. At least what they play they really play WELL.

[RocketLight]

1. "Bennie and the Jets"

*Great opening. I agree with this!

2. "All the Girls Love Alice"

*I like this song. But why not "Captain Fanstastic & Brown Dirt Cowboy"?

3. "I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues"

*I agree. A HIT.

4. "Border Song"

*Great song. Good!

5. "Tiny Dancer"

*A HIT.

6. "Philadelphia Freedom"

*I think that is a middle HIT and could be change for "Made in England" or "Kiss the Bridge".

7. "Indian Sunset"

*Great!

8. "Rocket Man"

*A HIT!

9. "Take Me to the Pilot"

*Great. Not move on the set list.

10. "Someone Saved My Life Tonight"

*Great!

11. "Levon"

*Is not a HIT but is a great Rocker song!

12. "Candle in the Wind"

*A HIT. But in my opinion would be better "Goodbye" or "We all fall in love sometimes".

13. "Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding"

*Not move! Great!

14. "Burn Down the Mission"

*Great live song! But could be change for "Grey Seal" or "Original Sin".

15. "Believe"

*Fantastic! Could be change for "Nikita or The One" ONLY with the band.

16. "Daniel"

*A HIT.

17. "Sad Songs (Say So Much)"

*A HIT but could be better "Empty Garden"

18. "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"

*A HIT.

19. "The Bitch is Back"

*A HIT.

20. "I'm Still Standing"

*A HIT.

21. "Crocodile Rock"

*A HIT. But can change for "Are You Ready For Love?

22. "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting"

*A HIT.

23. "Your Song"

*A HIT.

24. "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"

*A HIT. But could be mixed with "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore"

In conclusion, the set list need one or two songs more for 90s, like "Can You Feel The LOve Tonight" or "The One", other song from 80s, like "Club At The End Of The Street" or "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That" and two songs from 00s, like "Original Sin" or "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore".

[dougs]

ELTON IN TORONTO - SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 - CONCERT REVIEW:

Attention: Filled with "spoilers!"

First of all, the set list was the same as listed at the start of the thread by Latitude.

OK, we'll start with the stage;  the stage and lighting and effects were extraordinary.  Other than Vegas, no Elton concert tour has ever approached this degree of spectacle.  Bordering the stage on the side and top were images from Elton's entire career etched into the bronze-coloured border.  Interesting and creative.  Nice touch.  A massive high-pixel video screen covered the entire stage.  Two additional screens were to the sides.  A camera was attached to the far end of the piano giving a "face-on" view of EJ. The band were slotted into the cut out sections of the stage.  We were to find out later that Elton's piano could actually travel around the stage from side-to-side and even slip backwards at the corners!  Each song was accompanied by impressive visuals including countless specially-created videos for this FAREWELL YELLOW BRICK ROAD TOUR;  some used colours and symbols whiles many videos featured people while some other videos were animated.  Most have never been seen before.

Needless to say, the audience were all in their seats early (rare for a Toronto audience) and were completely stoked from the start.  I have to say that Elton's voice was particularly clear and strong.  No rough spots whatsoever.  The band were really on.  As expected, there was Nigel, Davey, John, Kim, and Matt.  A huge pleasant surprise was to see Mr. Ray Cooper back in Elton's band.  His only recent appearances have been in Vegas.  He was a breath of fresh air.  Not many rock bands tour with one guitarist and three percussionists!

The set list was arranged in such an order that the concert felt more spontaneous and unpredictable than the shows in recent years.  As Latitude indicated there were a couple of shockers - real pleasant surprises;  both "Border Song" and "Indian Sunset" were added to the set list.  "Border Song" appeared years ago in solo shows and "Indian Sunset" eventually found its way into Vegas.  With "Border Song" Elton introduced the song with a nice story about Aretha Franklin and said the video will feature people who have inspired him through his career.  He played this beautifully - solo!  "Indian Sunset" was clearly one of the concert's highlights.  It was apparent at the start of the song that the vast majority of the audience was unfamiliar with this song.  The only time EJ ever played it in Toronto was with Ray Cooper way back in 1979 and possibly earlier.  On several occasions the fans erupted in applause during the song and gave EJ and Ray (who was exceptional) a loud standing ovation at the song's conclusion.

Another highlight was "Someone Saved My Life Tonight."  Elton's vocals were both sensitive and powerful.  He introduced it with a story.  This song excels when it manages it reach a powerful emotional high and it more than did this in Toronto.  A great version.  It was accompanied by a clever and dark animated video using all kinds of characters from the CAPTAIN FANTASTIC AND THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY cover.  The Elton "Captain" character was the main one.  Brilliant.  "Levon" similar to recent tours, was extended and rocked out.  Another highlight. "Rocket Man" was performed similarly to recent tours but had some powerful new video images and effects - including the "launch" into the song.  "Tiny Dancer" was performed beautifully but the recent "LA Lady" video, I feel, distracts a bit from the beauty of the song.  I quite like the video but not as an accompaniment with this song.  I may be in the minority here.  For the third time in the concert the band left the stage and Elton performed "Candle in the Wind" mid-set.  A tender gentle solo version.  It was completely silent in that giant arena as EJ performed.  This is when his piano started to move.  It started in its normal location and then gently moved across the front of the stage to the far right and then backed away to the back-right corner where Elton quietly slipped away off-stage as the entire arena was darkened.  What came next was great theatre!  The arena was bathed in flickering blue lights, the sound of rain, and then massive lightning blasts.  Tremendous ambience.  Meanwhile the stage is becoming filled with fog which, of course, means "Funeral For A Friend / Love Lies Bleeding" complete with Elton's first outfit change.  A truly epic version with absolutely stunning video images filled the arena.  Never has an Elton stage had so much fog - deep into the song.  They rocked!  A real pleasant surprise was the inclusion of a powerful version of "Believe" which Elton introduced with a speech about love and acceptance. "Daniel" received a long intro from Elton and included a new video which Elton said would finally explain the meaning of the song.  Ray's percussion added nuances to the song.  Elton and the band played out the remainder of the pre-encore show in typical rocking fashion with familiar versions of hits that got the arena up dancing non-stop.  "I'm Still Standing" had a tremendous video collection of Elton throughout his career focusing on live photos/videos.  The videos to end the concert were fun and uplifting as was the entire message from Elton all night long.  He constantly thanked the audience with thoughtful non-rushed statements and speeches. It was clear that Elton was sincere.  After the rocking 4-song set to finish, Elton returned to the stage to perform a beautiful (solo for 1/2 the song) version of "Your Song" followed by the thematically obvious choice of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."  Elton left the stage being lifted upward, in his Gucci track suit, into the massive stage where a door opened and Elton disappeared into the night...

As a long-time fan it might have been especially nice to see some more of his 80s and 90s hits and album tracks such as "Simple Life" and "The One" and maybe "Nikita" but it has been said that the FAREWELL YELLOW BRICK ROAD set list will vary as the tour goes along. Seeing the fans react so enthusiastically to "Indian Sunset" should encourage EJ to venture into his catalogue of songs rarely played.

The concert "felt" like a farewell.  Elton talked to the audience more than he usually does.  The concert may have had serious songs but the mood was always positive throughout.  EJ managed to talk about Bernie Taupin at appropriate times.  The 25-song concert came in around 2:45 or longer in duration.  At the end of "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)" the entire floor section was absolutely buried from high above with little yellow strips of paper - similar in shape to little bricks!  What a beautiful mess it created - a real celebration!  The local Toronto newspaper, understandably, gave Elton's Toronto farewell a 4 out of 4 rating.  It must be said that Elton's energy level is remarkable.  It must also be noted that his knees most likely give him real pain. But, as we know, he is a real trooper.

This concert was special;  the staging, the time & effort put into new videos and effects were all wonderful but most importantly Elton and the band played with heart and a few rarely played "gems" were added for long-time fans.  Sure, some of us would like more rarely played songs but this was a wonderful concert to send Elton on his way.  Being Toronto, Elton's family were in attendance upfront.  Elton mentioned how his kids were Canadian - much to the delight of the massive crowd.  Elton closed by saying how much he has loved playing live over the years and how much he loves his family and that he wishes to spend more time with them now.

Doug

[BenandtheJets]

Thanks Doug! I'm looking forward to the concert tonight in Ottawa with my wife, son and daughter. I think we are in for a treat!

[BenandtheJets]

I don't have Lattitude nor Doug's writing talent, but here is my little review from the Ottawa concert on Sept. 28th.

- Amazing stage, surpassing the stage of The One tour that I thought was the most impressive to date.
- Elton was in great form and the show rocks right from the start.
- Beautiful rendition of Border Song and Indian Sunset. It shows how Elton is not only a "hit machine", but also a great pianist ( the greatest in my opinion ) but also a musical genius. Concert highlights.
- After watching numerous times the extended version of Levon on video, I finally got to see it live and I was not disappointed. WOW!!! My personal highlight.
- Like Lattitude and Doug both mentioned, the video during Tiny Dancer takes away from this beautiful song. If you had never seen the video before (which was the case for my wife) you were probably asking yourself: Why?
- What a GREAT band!

I know this was my last time seeing Elton live. I savoured every moment. And I feel lucky to have been able to share this memorable moment with my family.

THANK YOU ELTON JOHN!

[latitude]

To start with---I do not have writing talent. I'm lousy at that. Doug does, and you BenandtheJets did fine. Sounds like a HECK of a show! I'm so glad you both had a super time. When I went last Nov. the highlight was 'Levon', and I know it would have been this time too if I went to a show. That was the most phenomenal song I have *ever* heard live. But, sounds to me like there were a lot of songs to get excited about. Certainly 'Indian Sunset' with the great Ray Cooper.

Btw, Ben, that review that was written above Doug's was not MY review. It was something I copied from the internet from someone else. (As I said, I'm lousy at stuff like that). I don't think I'm going to be going to any of the shows.  Therefore I appreciate both of you telling so well what it was like. I have GOT to get a recording of at least one of the shows.

What did you think of the moving piano, Ben?

You know what---I know this is his farewell tour and all that, but do you really believe he's going to stop performing altogether? I don't think he could do that. He'll play off and on here and there. So maybe they'll be another chance someday somewhere.

Anyway, thanks so much for your reviews!

[dougs]

BenandtheJets and Latitude:

Thanks for your kind words - I find it fun to write reviews and all things music!

Ben, glad you had a great time at the Ottawa concert.  A nice way to wind down a life of seeing EJ in concert.  Great comments.  Amazing to see "Indian Sunset" get the reaction that it got.  EJ and Ray create magic on this one.  The Ottawa Citizen newspaper added  how strong ("robust") Elton's voice was.  In Toronto I found it both robust and clear - no rough spots at all.  Maybe the best vocals from him since 1998.

If I were to suggest a song or two which I could see be one of the ones which will be phased out as time goes on, I'd suggest "Take Me To The Pilot" or "Burn Down The Mission."  Both were good but not like they used to be.  Just one song all night later than 1984.  People all around me really roared when "Believe" was played.  Elton had lots of fans that he made in the 1990s...

I am surprised how wonderful "Border Song" sounded. The message and video worked well with this song.


Doug

[BenandtheJets]

Well, Latitude, I know for sure there won't be another occasion for me. Even if he decided to add more dates in Ottawa (or even Montreal), my wife says we have contributed enough to Zachary and Elijah's education.

Doug, I agree that Burn Down The Mission, and Take Me To The Pilot could be replaced by songs from the '90's or 2000's. Made In England and The Wasteland could replace those two "rockers". Also missing in the set list is a personal favourite and sentimental choice for my wife & I: The One.

[latitude]

LOL, Ben. I know what your wife means. My husband and I feel the same way. My last time was Nov. '17. Glad it was a great one 'cause that's it. Seen him 17 times. That's not a *lot*, but it's enough. Been fun though.

I loved the way they did 'Burn Down the Mission' in previous years, and when I saw him in Nov. I expected it to be great like those were, but actually it wasn't. Guess it's the same for these shows. Therefore, he should either take it up a notch with that song or drop it.

I wish they'd added 'I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That' and extend it. Super done live!!

[dougs]

Latitude:

"Burn Down The Mission" now has noticeably slower piano work from Elton which also probably explains why "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That" is also no longer played.  It must be a real challenge to play as fast as he once did.  He continues to play with power but the speed is (understandably) no longer there and it shows in a song like "Burn Down The Mission."  Regardless, EJ is still a great pleasure to hear play live because of his many keyboard talents.

Lots of really cool concert outfits on this FAREWELL tour aren't there?  I was watching YouTube today and saw a good dozen outfits plus countless glasses - good fun.

After a week of reflection, my favourite 3 songs at the Toronto concert (September 25, 2018) were "Funeral For A Friend / Love Lies Bleeding" and "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" and "Indian Sunset."  Honourable mention to "Believe" and "Levon."

Great to see EJ play songs with the full band, with Ray Cooper only, and solo.  Added wonderful variety to the ear.  A great idea.

Doug

[dougs]

Review of Elton's FAREWELL concert in Montreal - October 4, 2018:

The Montreal Gazette provided a great review of Elton's concert:

montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/goodbye-captain-fantastic-elton-john-could-do-no-wrong-in-his-montreal-farewell

Enjoy.

Doug