2016 has been a vintage year for Elton John; he released his 33rd studio album Wonderful Crazy Night to rapturous applause, and wowed audiences across the United Kingdom with his epic live show, which culminated in a headline performance at Hyde Park in London for BBC Radio 2. “I love making them but it’s someone else’s turn now”.
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Speaking about his plans for his big birthday in March next year, the 69-year-old said “I’m going to be in Los Angeles, I’d like to do something for charity on the night”.
“Tonight we decided I wanted to do a show that Incorporates some of the artists I’ve found through Apple Music Radio”. “It just brings me in contact with new artists that don’t get played on mainstream radio, because mainstream radio mostly plays crap”, he said to cheers.
Punters reached for their mobiles as the lights dimmed for a rousing singalong of Your Song, one of the best-known titles in Sir Elton’s extensive repertoire, while evergreen favourites Rocket Man and Tiny Dancer also featured.
The showman will sing numbers from his latest album “Wonderful Crazy Night” as well as much-loved hits from his stellar career.
The former chairman of Watford Football Club is no stranger to sports venues and has played more than 40 stadium and arena shows across the north west including Manchester, Liverpool, Bolton and Leigh.
Here, on the opening night of the Apple Music Festival, John defied age and expectation by singing with a younger generation of artists – and by playing the hits, but like he had never played them before. The festival continues until 30th September, and will feature live-streamed sets by the likes of Alicia Keys, Calvin Harris, Britney Spears and Chance The Rapper.
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The Roundhouse was filled with fans from the United Kingdom who applied for free tickets, while all 10 shows are being made available live on the internet to Apple Music members.
