Elton John Rocks the Casbah

After months of lead-ups and cancelled gigs by other supposed top-flight acts (though IMHO, The Pixies and Elvis Costello pale in comparison), Elton John took the stage during the opening notes of the symphonesque (and damn trippy) Funeral For a Friend and rocked the crowd of 50,000 strong last night in Ramat Gan for almost three hours. He was clearly happy to be in Israel, giving a big F.U. to the musicians that have boycotted ('Ain't gonna stop me from coming here baby... Musicians don't cherry-pick their consciences, OK').

Sir Elton filled the stadium with his overpowering baritone and virtuosic piano playing that meandered from rock, blues, and country into jazz, honky tonk and gospel at times - especially during extended versions of Rocket Man, Levon, Take Me to the Pilot and Madman Across the Water. And his band rocked out hard - some of the band members have been playing with him since 1969 (who says rock musicians are fickle?). A few of his band members are straight out of Spinal Tap, which really added to the fun and was worth more than a few good-humored laughs... his guitarist Davey Johnstone wore cowboy boots, leather pants, a leopard print shirt, flowing blond hair, and get this, a double guitar! Totally awesome! People were dancing in the aisles and in-between the sections by the end of the night. I couldn't have asked for a better time.

Here's David Brinn's review from the JPost. I agree with the first talkback's comments - Brinn wasn't all that in tune with the crowd at all times, it seems. Still, it's a decent review. Shout out to my crew - my Tiny Dancer, Simone, Ilana Rachel's 'Alright Right for Fighting', lovebirds/Crocodile Rockers Hillel and Charlotte (who got married three weeks ago!), and Ora, the Designated Driver - you better watch out when she's on the roads, b/c the Bitch is Back, baby! Was amazing to be there with you all.

Peace!