Mac wrote:
Never been so frustrated with fellow concert-goers at a live show. Okay, I know the Elton John crowd is going to have its share of blue hairs... but this was an amazingly dead group. E.J. played his hits. There was only one tune I didn't know.
He invited the first five rows on stage to huddle around the red Yamaha piano for "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting." I was in Row 11... center cut. As I am a rocker... I stood... foot tappin' and clapping. Quickly was yelled at by a couple two rows back. "Sit down," the Geritol takers insisted. After hearing it a second time, I turned around and made eye contact and they yelled it again. To the chagrin of my wife, I flipped 'em off and told 'em they were at a rock show and that Tony Bennett was down the street. Dejectedly, with no company willing to stand, I sat back down.
I know it's not the Stones or AC/DC or Pearl Jam... but "S.N.A.F.F.," "The Bitch Is Back" and a few others are rockers. I am a rocker and I prefer to stand at a rockin' show. This crowd would have none of it. I felt bad for the band that the crowd was so dead. E.J. even motioned to the audience a time or two for a little response. Nothing.
Positive: the Colisseum (that's how they spell it) at Caesar's Palace is an awesome venue. And the show was solid. Elton was funny between songs. Very interactive. Played a good chunk of his hits and it was a well-produced stage presentation. Orginial members Nigel Olsson (drums) and Davey Johnstone are still with Reginald. Bumped into the bass player in a casino the following night and enjoyed a beverage with him. Happy for me?
You are a better man than me Danny. I couldn't take the ridicule for going to see EJ, although from what I hear his concerts with Billy Joel back in the day were outstanding. As for the bluehairs, what the hell were they doing up so late anyhow? Did bingo and keno close early?