7.6 million people watched Elton John on UK TV performing at Glastonbury last weekend. He claimed this would be his last ever UK concert - but he has said that before! At 76 years old he still has the magic and his singing and playing were superb. He really looked like he was having a great time although he looked a little unsteady on his feet as he walked out on stage but the years melted away when he began to play.
Yusuf/Cat Stevens also performed a great set at 75 years of age. It was wonderful to see and to listen to. Of course, he does have an extensive back catalogue of material and songs from fifty years ago still sounded fresh and vibrant.
You can see and hear the song that he closed the show with; a spectacular version of Rocket Man. Ten minutes of fabulousness! See it here!
6 comments:
We never want to believe that the "farewell" performance of a great star is really final. Sometimes, as you say, (and as with other stars such as the great Adelina Patti) a new farewell series is announced each year. Others go for smaller venues that might not be so tiring, or to support charity, etc. At any rate, John has certainly earned his kudos and the tremendous response to this "last" convert.
--Jim
Jim: And often those farewell concerts can be disappointing - but not this time!
That reminds me of how important concerts are at old age homes. It doesn't matter how frail the body or how sluggish the mind, everyone sings along with the 1940s and 50s songs and remembers the lyrics almost perfectly. Even people who barely string sentences together in the dining room and in the lounge room.
Rock on, Elton John
Hels: That's also true for those suffering with various forms of Alzheimer's disease. Distant memories can be more accessible than new ones.
Hi Bazza - I haven't watched any of Glastonbury ... but need to catch up ... we've had some amazing opportunities during our lifetimes ... I think I saw him out in South Africa - when they could go to the homelands. I'm not the most musically oriented! Cheers Hilary
Hilary: I'm not his biggest fan but, having seen him a couple of times in concert, I can say that he is a wonderful showman and performer!
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