Thursday, April 28, 2022. The end of an era for me.
I went to my first ever Elton John concert while I was in college – November 8,1979 at the Atlanta Civic Center, a stop on the Back in the USSA tour.
Growing up in Homestead, Florida, I never thought I would be able to see him live in concert. Forty-three years later, and let’s just say I’ve been blessed to have seen Sir Elton a few more times. I can honestly say that I was truly, unabashedly excited for every single show.
Over the years, I’ve seen him:
With just himself and his piano.
With several different bands.
With Ray Cooper.
With Billy Joel.
With Leon Russell.
With the 2 Cellos.
With backup vocalists.
With a horn section.
With a choir.
With front row seats (twice)!
With nose bleed seats.
With seats on the side.
With floor seats.
In arenas.
In stadiums.
At Madison Square Gardens (finally).
At a music festival.
At the IBM Think conference.
Truly, Captain Fantastic…from the end of the world to your town.
I’ve also had the immense honor and pleasure to meet Bernie Taupin and his lovely wife, as well as all of the current members of THE BAND.
So, you ask, how was this last show?
In a word, FANTASTIC.
In another word, BITTERSWEET.
Yes, my heart is breaking a little bit, but not just because I’m sad that this amazing, spectacular, energizing, light the world on fire experience is over for me. It’s mostly because my heart is so full of wonderful memories and, dare I say bliss, that it just can’t hold any more.
So…Thank you, Sir Elton and Mr. Taupin, for your absolute brilliance. You’ve brought such happiness and wonder to my world. Indeed, you have rocked it.
And thank you to everyone I have shared the Elton experience with over the years. You’ve indulged me beyond my wildest dreams.
The Captain and the Kim 
Hi Kim,
so lovely to read your email. And also so hard to think I will feel the same way in a short time. My story is almost the same as yours with only one difference – my first Elton show was on 2000. The same is that I never thought that I will ever see him live in the concert. I am from eastern Europe so during my first 15 or so years of diehard fandom I never expected it will happend someday in my life. At least I’ve been on about 30 Elton shows and those 22 years were amazing. Every show has a great meaning for me and what is more important – great story as well. I remember every minute, but not just from show, but also from the moment I realised that there will be any concert in my location (1500 km radius), the races of buying the best tickets at the venue (I am sure you know it very well, too), the travel, stay at the city (/cities), meeting the same crazy fans from which soem of them are now my friends.
Anyway – I’ve also learned english language from Bernie’s lyrics, very soon I realised about gender diversity, consideration or AIDS problem.
So so cool era for me! But the time is here, Elton is old and finally has his own family.
Let’s wish him very good health and many more years to spend with the family.
Instead of really good impact on my personality he made such a huge music stuff for us – we will never be in a situation with question “What to listen to?” 🙂
Take care and thanks for your service.
Thank you so much for your kind note and sharing your Elton experience with me. I’ve seen him about 70 times in over 40 years. I always wanted to see him in Europe, but never got the chance to. I know you will enjoy and treasure your last concert. You are so right, each one is so very special.
I had to smile with your last comment (“What to listen to?”) – He certainly does have a huge treasure of music to keep us occupied for quite some time.
Take care – and I’d love to hear about your final concert!