Elton John still packs real punch with strong voice
Elton John performs in Seoul: British rock star Sir Elton John sits atop his piano at a concert Tuesday in the Olympic Gymnastic Arena in Seoul where he enraptured Korean audiences with his performance and formidable skills as a showman. / Courtesy of Access Entertainment
By Rachel Lee
British rock legend, Sir Elton John, still has a strong voice, wit and playfulness despite being of retirement age, 65.
The performer, who came to Korea for the first time in eight years, proved he is still an enduring world class act through music that is much loved by pop and rock fans regardless of age and gender.
After a short rhythmical performance by support act cello duo 2Cellos, Elton John appeared on stage singing his opening number “The Bitch is Back” dressed in a magnificent outfit: sporting his trademark glasses and a sparkling blue jacket. The crowd became ecstatic and cheered.
This tour celebrates 40 years since the release of “Rocket Man.” John played songs from milestone albums of the 1970s such as “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” as well as heartbreaking ballads “Candle in the Wind” and “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word” and the rousing “Philadelphia Freedom.”
Throughout his lengthy career, he must have played his back catalog thousands of times but the material still sounds fresh and exhilarating. The Korean audiences seemed overjoyed not only because they were hearing one of the world’s most famous pop stars singing so well but also they were struck by his formidable showmanship. The musician actively engaged with the audience throughout the whole performance and everyone continued singing along.
Elton John, second from left, sings at the Olympic Gymnastic Arena in Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Access Entertainment
John’s prodigious piano skills once again wowed the audience. Whenever he played a solo, seen in close up on large LCD screens, everyone rewarded him with a standing ovation. His supporting band including Scottish guitarist Davey Johnstone, who has worked with him for 40 years and a four-member female chorus also received generous applause for their perfect harmonies.
Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947, Elton John has released over 40 albums and sold more than 250 million records, making him one of the most successful British artists of all time along with The Beatles and Queen. In 1996, John was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire and received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 1998.
Elton John is to perform at BEXCO in Busan today. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488.