Elton John and His Yellow Brick Road: A Concert Review

BY DEEVIA FIERRO

He was the one everyone came to see; fans came singing “Saturday, Saturday!” On February 9th, Sir Elton John came to wow the audience with his timeless songs and spectacular visuals. The BOK Center hosted the man who defined a whole new type of stage presence. With his charisma and show stopping looks, his music has been alive for more than 50 years.

Bringing his touring career to an end with his “The Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, his second stop was here in T-Town. With a set that brought back memories for his fans and called back to the different eras of his career, the gold frame that surrounded the stage made it feel as if he was waving goodbye. The rims were glowing in the dimly lit arena casing a moment of the musician’s life.

Inside fans dressed in iconic Elton John looks. From flashing large sunglasses to full on costumes with feather boas, the crowds were alive with anticipation. I laughed and complimented these die-hard fans who wore their ensemble with pride.

Every seat looked to be filled with people from young to old. As we sat down in our seats minutes before the show, we could see hundreds of flickering Elton John glasses being sold as souvenirs for the show.

All of a sudden, the lights went dim, and there he was.

In a black, rhinestone suit that glimmered at every angle, Elton John sat and rocked out on his sleek piano. Starting out his 3-hour concert, “Bennie And The Jets” was the first of his many chart-topping hits played throughout the night. Every voice in the arena sang along to many others like “Rocket Man” “Levon” and, of course, one of my favorites, “Tiny Dancer”. As I stood and watched Elton glisten in the

spotlight, I cried to every word. I felt as if he was singing to me, knowing this was my song. Hearing that song in person was something that tears into the soul.

Elton also acknowledged Leon Russel, a legendary Tulsa musician who Elton was friends with and considered his idol. Giving him thanks and recognition on how much he meant to him and his own musical career.

“I want to acknowledge how much Leon meant to me and how great a singer, writer and piano player he was and what a wonderful friend to me he was. Anyway, God rest your soul and I love you so much.”

Claps emerged in the audience in remembrance.

As the concert continued, Elton sang more of his chart-topping, crowd pleasing hits such as “I’m Still Standing,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” “The Bitch is Back,” and “Your Song.”

Throughout the rest of the night, he thanked Tulsans and all his fans worldwide for showing up and buying tickets to see his shows. As he played his last song, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, he disappeared into the massive screen behind him, clapping and blowing kisses.