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Wir bedanken uns bei Melyora Blac k für diesen tollen Bericht und die Fotos. Der Artikel ist mit allen Fotos von Melyora in den Konzertberichten eingestellt.

Three Magical Nights In Hamburg

Last week was my own personal ‘Elton John’-week in Hamburg because I had tickets for all three of his shows at the Barclays Arena. I’ve been holding on to some of these tickets for nearly 3 years now, one I got myself as a birthday present last year and it was worth every penny! I’ll try to give a short (or not so short report) on each concert separately because they’ve been all very different for me, watching the show from different angles and making special memories at each one.

Show 1 (May 2^nd, 2023)

Having been to The O2 just a month prior the first thing I noticed was how different the audience was from what I’ve seen in London. There were a lot more ‘casual concert goers’ who weren’t really fans, maybe knew some of the hits but were definitely not as much into the music as I’ve seen British people are. Thus, there weren’t many that had dressed up for the occasion and I stuck out with my Elton John-jacket from minute 1 I stepped into the S21 (underground train service running to the Arena). I guess, I have to add that northern Germans don’t tend to be very outgoing so it shouldn’t have surprised me. Still, I felt a bit sad about it. On the other hand, sticking out earned me the opportunity to be interviewed by German TV and talk about Elton. Sadly, they aired the least interesting part of the interview, but it was great nevertheless and people actually came up to me in the days after to tell me they had seen me on TV.

My seat was in U16, the lower ranks with a great view on the stage. Even while sitting down, I noticed that there weren’t many Eltonites around me, only casual concert-goers who were there because ‘you have to see him before he’s gone’. It showed in the way they reacted to when Elton entered the stage. There was polite clapping and some head nodding to the songs, but I was the only one in my section really into the music. I could see that it was like that all around in the ranks. I guess Northern Germans need a bit of time to get in the right mood. But half an hour later, Elton and the band had them in their pockets. It was different on the floor, people in the VIP area were having a blast from minute 1 (as they should) and even the rows behind them were standing up and cheering the band on.

I don’t need to say anything on the setlist, it’s well known and as always, the show ran like clockwork. The band was on fire and happy to improvise on ‘Rocketman’ and ‘Levon’ and when everyone was starting to finally sing along it sent goosebumps over my body. I always get quite emotional when I see people expressing their love for Elton and once he had won everyone over there was no holding back. The admiration and the cheers filled the Arena, and it was the most beautiful thing to see and hear from an audience that is normally much more subdued. The admiring noise swelled to almost drowning out his words when Elton addressed the audience about his special bond with Hamburg. He talked about how he had first come to Germany before he became Elton John, playing his first gigs in Hamburg at the Top Ten Club at the Reeperbahn (with Bluesology of course) and how much he had loved coming back to this ‘beautiful city’ ever since.

The joyous feelings held on after the show had ended, you could see people with smiles on their faces strolling to the exits or lingering on to buy a shirt at the merchandise stand to have a lasting memory of that special day. While waiting for the shuttle bus to take me back to the underground station, I had another lucky encounter. Two ladies came up to me, telling me they had sat behind me on the ranks and loved my outfit and how much I’d been celebrating the show. Then they gave me the deluxe tour programme as a gift, and I was completely speechless.

It was the perfect ending to a perfect day one.

Show 2 (May 4^th, 2023)

This was the show of shows for me because this time I had a ticket in front row. Technically it was row 4 but because of the kidney-shape of the stage there were no other seats in front of me. I wasn’t in the VIP area though as my seat was quite far to the left but very close to Elton’s piano. I had brought a banner that I had especially made for Elton to see and hoped it would be noticed. It sure was by Ben Gibson who spotted me unfolding it and asked me to take a few pictures of me with it. WOW! Around me I had a lot of people that were real fans and I felt very humbled when I started talking to them. Some of them have been fans for ages and seen Elton perform many times. It sometimes makes me feel like a fraud when I have to admit that I only became a fan after watching ‘Rocketman’. But everyone was very welcoming, and I had some great talks and felt part of a family.

I had the perfect spot to see Elton approach the stage when the show started. I’m always amazed how energetic his stride is when he goes up that ladder and towards the piano, I hope I’ll be in such a good shape when I’m 76! Sure enough, this time I felt the excitement and adoration from minute 1 washing over the stage and the band, given that I had mostly fans around me. It was amazing seeing the band so close and it took me a few minutes to realise that they were actually only a few meters away from me. It was amazing! And it became even more amazing when I held up my banner after ‘Philadelphia Freedom’ and Elton saw it, pointed at me with a smile and mouthed ‘thank you’. Even the people beside me noticed and cheered for me. Just a few minutes later Davey came over to our part of the stage and after playing his solo he threw his plectrum out and I got it.

It felt so good to be free to stand and clap and sing along not worrying about people behind me getting annoyed because they were all doing the same. I had that exact same feeling in Hyde Park last year when I was surrounded by life-long fans who sang every single word to every single song and it felt like a big family united by Elton.

Being so far left I wasn’t really sure I’d get to the front of the stage during stage rush but when the time came it wasn’t a problem mostly because the front row VIPs didn’t want to join in. Imagine that! Being able to go to the front of the stage and be so close to Elton and the boys and then just missing out. I found the perfect spot at the curve of the stage centre and right in front of Elton’s piano. He was now only about 3 or 4 meters away from me. I couldn’t believe my luck! And sure enough there came an obstacle in the shape of a security guy trying to push us back to our seats. I asked him why and he just said: Because. What a jerk! I guess if Elton had noticed that he would have told him off! But as it was, I had to step away from the stage but when the guy was gone, and another was in his place I sneaked into my old spot again.

I had brought a small present for Elton and when he passed me, I held it out to him. He looked at me with a smile but didn’t take it. It was worth a try though and the smile was everything to me! He even did it again when I held my banner up one more time, again he mouthed ‘thank you’ and looked at me kindly. He surely doesn’t know it means the world to me that he did that!

I got very emotional this time during ‘Sorry Seems To Be…’ because I was so close and my heart was so full of love for this man. And it was such an adrenaline kick when the confetti rain at ‘Saturday Night’s’ came down on us. I sure took some of that home with me!

I should say a few words about the show itself, but I guess everyone who’s been at one of the Farewell-concerts knows how brilliant it is and how fuelled with energy. It’s amazing to see seven guys in their early to late 60s or early to mid-70s put on such a show for 2 ½ hours. And it always feels like they could go on for another hour or two with ease. Also, the collected talent on stage is amazing, each and every one of them is a master musician in his own right. No question about that! Together they are – in my opinion at least – the best band in the world. That’s why it never feels repetitive to watch more than one show even though the setlist is always the same because once the boys start to jam, there’s no turning back and it’s always different, always in sync and always amazing.

Sometimes though the clockwork doesn’t run as smoothly, and this actually happened at the very last song this time. After Elton had played ‘Your Song’ and turned to the audience with his final words, repeating the stories about why he loved Hamburg so much, he turned to his piano again and started playing the into of… ‘Your Song’ again! He noticed a few seconds in and stopped himself with a grin, saying ‘Oh, I’ve just played that’ and started to play ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’. But the amusement was clear on his face and Davey couldn’t hold back laughing, it was a joy to see!

After the show a lot of people came up to me asking for pictures of my outfit or the banner and a couple at the underground station told me they had watched me from the ranks and said they had been rooting for me because I had celebrated the whole show so much. Yeah baby!

I’ve also made some friends that night that I saw again the next day and will be seeing again in Cologne too.

Needless to say I didn’t sleep very much that night because I was still so full of adrenaline and joy from everything that had happened!

Show 3 (May 5^th, 2023)

After the excitement of the day before I was worried for this show. My seat this time was on floor level but further down from the stage and I hoped that it wouldn’t dampen my mood to be so far away when I had been so close. I was talking to my new-found friends about it via messenger and they reassured me that we would find a way to get closer. I still had my doubts but tried to enjoy the show nevertheless.

This time I noticed a lot more people who had dressed up for the occasion, many in sequined dresses or jackets, one in a Dodgers-uniform and lots of feather boas and lights. Still, I stuck out with my jacket and got a few more compliments (which of course is always appreciated). From where I sat, I had a good overview of the stage and the whole show on the screens but once people stood up it was hard to see the band. I actually hoped for people to stay seated then so we could all see the musicians and not only the screens. Still, the adrenaline rush set in the moment the concert started and I shouldn’t have worried about my mood. It was all high up the moment the first chord of ‘Bennie And The Jets’ filled the Arena. I have to say the sound in the venue was marvellous, no matter where you were seated. It was always spot on (well done, Clive!). People around me were quite into the music but again, I wasn’t surrounded by fans, so I was the only one singing along to every song. I’ve always loved seeing the thunder and lightning-intro for ‘Funeral For A Friend’ followed by the smoke filling the stage and from where I sat this time I had the best view on it and enjoyed every second! But when the time came for the stage rush, I was up and running towards the stage. I had to wait a bit for my friends and felt really nervous, contemplating going back to my seat but when I spotted them, I joined them, and we actually got admitted to the front of stage again. I admit, being rather shy, I wouldn’t have dared to go up front if it hadn’t been for them to take me with them. So thank you, Nadine and Ralf for encouraging me to do it! This time I was at the centre of the stage and could only see Elton’s head behind the piano, but it was still an adrenaline boost. People beside me obviously weren’t fans because they didn’t sing along (only at ‘Cold Heart’) but I had the time of my life, even more so because I hadn’t expected this to happen! Davey came very close to me a few times. He wanted to give the girl beside me his plectrum, but she didn’t take it. Can you imagine that! I’ve seen a few people refuse to take the plectrums from him that night I simply can’t understand that! But it was my luck, because he then handed the plectrum to me, and I blew him a kiss that he acknowledged with a smile. From my place I could see the whole band close up for the first time and it was magical. I enjoyed watching each and every one of them perform, they are just the most amazing guys! I can’t imagine them not playing together anymore after the tour finishes. The second half of the show was just filled with adrenaline and serotonin, and it almost blew the roof off the Arena. Elton acknowledged the energy of the evening by telling us that we were one of the best audiences he’s had on the tour!

I was totally stunned when Elton walked past me just a meter away, it was unbelievable to be so close to him. But even more so when he and his piano ‘drove’ by at ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ and he looked at me. I blew him a kiss and he smiled back. I wanted to die happily at that moment. But even more so when he had stripped out of his robe and stepped into his little lift. He looked around and our eyes locked for a moment – and he blew me a kiss back. Sure enough I broke down crying after the show had ended because I was so full of emotions. Ben Gibson was still on stage, and he asked me to take a few pictures of the back of my jacket which was the last great thing to happen that night.

It was a magical ‘Elton John’-week in Hamburg.

And now I can’t wait for the last two shows in Cologne.

Wir sind zurück - die ersten Fotos von den Konzerten

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Wir sind zurück von unserer Konzertreise nach Hamburg und Berlin. Es war eine Tour mit sehr vielen Begegnungen und natürlich auch mit sehr vielen Fotos, die erst mal sortiert werden müssen. Hier habt Ihr einen kleinen Vorgeschmack. In den nächsten Tagen werden wir immer wieder neue Fotos in die Konzertberichte einfügen. Und es kommen ja noch viele Bilder aus Köln dazu.

Wir würden uns freuen, wenn Ihr auch ein paar Fotos habt. Wenn ja, schickt sie bitte an rocket@eltonjohn-fan.de. Wir werden sie in die Konzertbericht/Fotos einfügen.

 

 

Kleine Presseschau: Er braucht eine Ruhepause - Elton John: Konzert-Absage in Mannheim mit großem Bedauern - ein Bericht der Stuttgarter Nachrichten

Elton John wird am Samstag nicht in der SAP Arena in Mannheim auftreten. Um seine Abschiedstournee wie geplant fortsetzen zu können, hat ihm ein Arzt wegen Krankheit eine Ruhepause verordnet.

 

Enttäuschung für alle Fans, die sich auf den Auftritt von Elton John (76) in Mannheim gefreut haben. Am Freitag gab die Konzert-Agentur BB Promotion bekannt, dass das Konzert des Musikers am Samstag, den 13. Mai 2023, in der SAP Arena nicht stattfinden wird. "Mit großem Bedauern muss Elton John bekannt geben, dass das morgige Farewell Yellow Brick Road - Konzert in Mannheim [...] abgesagt wurde", heißt es in dem Statement.

 

Der Arzt hat ihm eine Ruhepause verordnet

Nachdem er am Donnerstagabend von der Bühne gekommen sei, habe er sich unwohl gefühlt. Inzwischen habe sich bestätigt, dass er sich ein "virales Syndrom" zugezogen habe. Ein Arzt habe Elton John daher eine Ruhepause von 48 Stunden verordnet, damit er wie geplant den Rest seiner Abschiedstournee absolvieren könne. Als Nächstes ist für Dienstag, den 16. Mai, ein Auftritt in Köln eingeplant.

 

Weiter heißt es, dass der Superstar am Boden zerstört sei, da er es hassen würde, seine Fans im Stich zu lassen. Er habe "vollstes Verständnis für die Enttäuschung und die Unannehmlichkeiten, die dies verursacht". Über die Erklärung ließ er seinen Fans ausrichten, "dass diese Entscheidung nicht leichtfertig getroffen wurde". Ticketinhaber könnten ihre Karten an der Vorverkaufsstelle zurückgeben, an der sie gekauft wurden.

 

Den Artikel müsst Ihr euch unbedingt im Original hier ansehen >>

 

 

Elton John entschuldigt sich bei Konzert in Berlin: „Es ist nicht meine Schuld“ - ein Bericht von derwesten.de

Elton John ist derzeit in Deutschland auf Abschiedstour. Dabei spult der Musiker nicht nur ein Standard-Programm ab.

Es ist ein Mega-Programm, das Elton John derzeit abspult. Allein elf Konzerte sind in Deutschland auf seiner Abschieds-Tournee geplant, mit je drei Stopps in Hamburg, Berlin und Köln.

Die Shows des 76-Jährigen dauern dabei stets mehr als zwei Stunden, beinhalten neben seinen beliebtesten Songs auch mehrere Kostümwechsel, eine liebevoll gestaltete Bühnenshow und persönliche Worte an die Fans. Bei seinem zweiten Berlin-Konzert begann Elton John seinen Auftritt aber mit einer Entschuldigung.

Elton John: „Es ist nicht meine Schuld“

„Es tut mir leid, dass ihr alle so lange warten musstet“, sagte Elton John, nachdem er die ersten beiden Songs gespielt hatte. Schob aber hinterher: „Es ist nicht meine Schuld.“ Hintergrund: Eigentlich sollten die Deutschland-Konzerte seiner Farewell-Tour bereits im Herbst 2020 steigen, doch dann kam Corona.

Die Pandemie machte die geplanten Konzert-Termine zunichte. Und dann schob der Sänger auch noch eine Hüftoperation dazwischen, die die Auftritte noch weiter nach hinten schob, ehe er in diesem Frühjahr nun endlich nach Deutschland kam. Seine weltweite Abschiedstour dauert so nun schon mehr als fünf Jahre.

Elton John: Das warten hat sich gelohnt

Gelohnt hat sich das Warten aber offenbar für die Zuschauer. Denn der Rock-Star lieferte trotz der Verspätung richtig. Obwohl bereits 76 Jahre alt, spulte er seine Songs nicht nur ab, sondern spielte auch mit seinem Publikum und wurde dafür frenetisch gefeiert. Ganz besonders nach einer extra langen Version seines Songs „Rocketman“.

Ebenfalls viel Applaus heimste übrigens Perkussionist Ray Cooper ein, der das gesamte Konzert über mit vollem Körpereinsatz agierte. Als er von Elton John vorgestellt wurde, war der Jubel riesig. Die beiden machen seit 50 Jahren zusammen Musik. Am Ende der Abschiedstour endet für sie auch eine Ära.

 

Den Artikel solltet Ihr euch unbedingt im Original ansehen >>

 

Elton John: Schreckmoment bei Konzert in Berlin – Fans halten den Atem an - ein Bericht von derwesten.de

Foto: eltonjohn-fan.de

 

Elton John ist auf Abschiedstour. Mehr als zwei Stunden hielt der Musiker durch, doch bei der Zugabe sorgte er für einen Schreckmoment.

Endlich war es so weit. Am Mittwoch gab Elton John das zweite seiner drei lang ersehnten Berlin-Konzerte in der Mercedes-Benz-Arena. Knapp zweieinhalb Stunden unterhielt der mittlerweile 76 Jahre alte Rockstar seine Fans auf seiner Abschiedstour.

Dass der Brite inzwischen längst im Rentenalter ist, merkte man ihm nur in wenigen Situationen an. Elton John spielte, sang, kommunizierte mit den Fans und wechselte sogar mehrfach das Outfit. Doch während der Zugabe gab es einen echten Schreckmoment für die tausenden Fans!

Elton John: Schrecksekunde in der Zugabe

Es passierte, als Elton John gerade „Your Song“ performte. Immer wieder wischte sich der über die Nase. Als dann später der Applaus aufbrandete, wandte er sich nicht dem Publikum zu, sondern drehte sich weg. Ein Taschentuch nach dem anderen zog er aus einer bereitstehenden Box, schnäuzte sich und tupfte.

Und die Zuschauer? Die applaudierten weiter, um ihrem Star die Privatsphäre zu gönnen, die er in dieser misslichen Situation brauchte. Doch je länger die Situation dauerte, umso mehr mischte sich auch Tuschelei in den Applaus. Einige hielten den Atem an. Was war los mit dem Musiker? Hatte er vielleicht eine Allergie?

 

Elton John: Nasenbluten beim Konzert

Die Antwort gab er selbst, nachdem er sich doch wieder dem Publikum zugewandt und seinen verdienten Applaus eingeheimst hatte. „Nosebleed“, raunte er ins Mikrofon. Nasenbluten.

Ein unschöner Umstand, von dem sich Elton John allerdings nicht stoppen ließ. Er setzte sich zurück an den Flügel und performte „Goodbye Yellow Brick Road“. Schreckmoment vorbei!

 

Quelle >>

 

 

 

 

+++ Achtung: Das Konzert in Mannheim ist abgesagt worden +++

Wir sind mitten in der Nacht aus Berlin zurückgekommen. Bereits am Bahnhof in Berlin erreichte uns die Nachricht, dass das Konzert am Samstag den 13. Mai 2023 abgesagt worden ist. Bereits am Donnerstag in Bwerlin hat Elton die Show mit erhöhter Temperatur gespielt.

 

Bitte beachte das folgende Statement des Veranstalters:

"Mit großem Bedauern muss Elton John bekannt geben, dass das morgige Farewell Yellow Brick Road – Konzert in Mannheim (Samstag, 13. Mai) abgesagt wurde. Elton berichtete, dass er sich unwohl fühlte, nachdem er gestern Abend von der Bühne kam, und es wurde inzwischen bestätigt, dass er sich ein virales Syndrom zugezogen hat.
Nachdem er einen Arzt aufgesucht hatte, wurde ihm eine 48-stündige Ruhepause verordnet, um sicherzustellen, dass er am Dienstag, den 16. Mai, in Köln auf der Bühne stehen und den Rest seiner Abschiedstournee absolvieren kann. Elton hasst es, seine Fans im Stich zu lassen und ist am Boden zerstört, dass er nicht in der Lage ist, die letzte Show für seine treuen Fans in Mannheim zu spielen. Ticketinhaber werden gebeten, ihr Ticket an der Vorverkaufsstelle zurückzugeben, an denen sie gekauft wurden.
Sie werden dann zurückerstattet. Elton John hat vollstes Verständnis für die Enttäuschung und die Unannehmlichkeiten, die dies verursacht und versichert den Fans, dass diese Entscheidung nicht leichtfertig getroffen wurde."
 

 

1. Mai 2023

Wir sind auf Tour - keine Aktualisierungen bis zum 14. Mai 2023

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Bis zum 19. Mai 2023 wird Elton John insgesamt noch 10 Mal in Deutschland auftreten. Nadine und ich sind bei allen 10 Konzerten dabei und werden uns vor den Konzerten vor der Bühne aufhalten. Wenn Ihr uns erkennt scheut euch nicht uns anzusprechen. Wir freuen uns auf viele Begegnungen mit Elton Fans.

 

Die nächsten Aktualisierungen auf www.eltonjohn-fan.de finden frühestens am 14. Mai 2023 nach dem Konzert in Mannheim statt. Möglicherweise stelle ich heute im Laufe des Tages noch ein paar Konzertfotos aus London und München ein.

Meine Bilder vom Konzert in München findet Ihr hier >>

Es sind echt tolle Bilder dabei.

 

Elton John und Band Live in München am 27. April 2023 - Bilder von Nadine

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Ich habe weitere Bilder in die Konzertberichte eingestellt. Es sind die Bilder von Nadine. Wenn wir wieder von unserer Tour zurück sind, gibt es weitere tolle Konzertfotos.

Hier findet Ihr alle Bilder von Nadine >>

 

 

30. April 2023

Hard Rock Café München

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In vielen Hard Rock Cafés finden wir Kleidungstücke und Gegenstände, die früher einmal Elton John gehört haben. Im Hard Rock Café in München befindet sich ein Strohhut von Elton in den 80er Jahren und eine Ausgabe des Rolling Stone aus dem Jahr 1973 mit Elton auf der Titelseite. Daneben hängt noch ein Bild aus den frühen 80er Jahren.