Sir Elton John played to a packed house in an emphatically exciting show that ran nearly three hours last night.
Sold as “All Hits, All Night,” a crowd of mostly baby boomers with a few of the younger generations mixed in stormed Matthew Knight Arena with a high amount of excitement, eager to see the world-famous musician perform.
“Elton John is my absolute favorite,” said Della Anderson, a George Fox University student who made the trip down from Newberg, Ore., for the concert. “I have this titanic, like, excitement for the show.”
The shuttle buses moving back and forth from parking lots were more reminiscent of summer camp, as people of all ages sang their favorite Elton John songs. Out front, fans donned illuminated sunglasses and rocked other funky styles, paying homage to John’s golden era.
“I’m 43 now, and I was probably eight years old when I started listening to him,” said Randy Fowler, a Eugene resident. “I’m very excited for this show.”
By 8 p.m., when everyone had found their seats inside, John took the stage to overwhelmingly loud cheers and roars. Camera flashes and cell phone lights flooded the darkened arena as each attendee tried to snag a picture of the living musical legend.
Simply giving a few waves to the crowd, John dove immediately into his set, and in the process took everyone back in time. Backed by his band, which included original drummer Nigel Olsson from the 1969 Elton John Band and 1971 guitarist addition Davey Johnstone as well as a bassist, keyboardist, percussionist and four backup singers, John stood out on the front left of the stage. Bright lights bounced off John’s rhinestone jacket and shiny concert grand piano where John played the full scale.
Following the hit-themed set list, John’s band played “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” as well as two songs from John’s 1971 album “Madman Across the Water.”
Between choruses of “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting),” John belted out, “Come on, Eugene, let’s get rocking.” During these early moments, it was amazing to see the 63-year-old John show neither his age nor his mileage. He simply played and sang with an intensity of a person who has strong passion for music.
Although the crowd was jubilant during the early parts of the concert, the crowd erupted when the first few notes of “Tiny Dancer” played through the speakers. A few lighters ignited in various parts of the arena as John sang one of his all-time greatest songs. Also, closer to the midpoint of the concert, John played an emphatic and extended version of “Rocket Man” that lasted more than ten minutes, drawing in the audience.
As John eased into slower songs like “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “Daniel,” the crowd sat as all lights in the arena went out, save for a few illuminating only John and his piano.
The show took a tamer turn as John played songs from his newest album, “The Union (with Leon Russell).”
Returning to the hits, John dedicated “Candle in the Wind” to Matthew Knight, arena namesake and son of Nike founder and University alumnus Phil Knight.
“I’ve lost many friends in my day,” John said to the crowd. “I want to dedicate this song to Matthew Knight, who I never knew.”
For what appeared to be the close of the concert, John played “Bennie and the Jets” and “Crocodile Rock” to a dancing crowd. After a brief exit and the lights completely turning off in the arena, he returned to the stage to play two more surprisingly intimate songs.
Before playing, John addressed the crowd.
“I enjoy this more and more as I get older,” John said. “Thank you for your love and loyalty.”
With his band of the stage, John played “Your Song” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” Signing autographs, John finally left after three hours of playing history.
“We were blown away,” said Katrina Donnell, a University junior who was given fifth row tickets for her 21st birthday. “He was so talented and amazing.”
The audience found John’s concert emotionally stirring, putting meaning to his powerful performance.
“I was crying,” said Megan Simmons, a sophomore biology major. “My senior year, we used to sing ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.’ I’m sure everyone has their own Elton John song.”
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