Elton John brings Crocodile Rock to Hanging Rock as his farewell tour continues across Australia
Elton John’s long and winding Farewell Yellow Brick Road has made its way to Hanging Rock as he says goodbye to 40,000 more fans.
Confidential
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Elton John at Hanging Rock , January 25
“Pardon my French …”, Elton John says at the tail end of another marathon victory lap on his final Australian tour.
“But Hanging Rock you’ve been f---king amazing.”
Yes, finally Hanging Rock became Crocodile Rock.
Sadly Elton didn’t take the opportunity to update the lyrics of his classic hit for the occasion.
However the music superstar delivered the songs – three hours of them – and Hanging Rock delivered the stunning weather. And no pesky wind to blow any sound awry.
Elton will play to 40,000 fans over his two Hanging Rock shows this weekend and a cursory glance of the crowd demonstrates that it’s music fans of all ages coming to see him one last time.
Like Fleetwood Mac, the 72 year old’s songs have been handed down to generations — it was far from a boomer’s night out.
And luckily for everyone, Elton’s final tour is not one of those cases of an artist spluttering out on a last hurrah because there’s not much left in the tank.
His vocals are still powerful and there’s no shirking of notes. And his piano playing skills remain extraordinary – the moments where his top-shelf band cut loose and he revels in being the pianist not just the superstar are spine-tingling.
The setlist seems to be set in stone each night – as well as what’s happening from the musicians on stage, there’s bespoke mini-movies for most songs – but it never feels like they’re on autopilot.
Even Elton’s talk breaks, in the same spot each night, and generally on the same subject, get slightly remixed and never sound scripted.
Before 2001 hit I Want Love he talks about changing his life by kicking drugs and alcohol (”I got clean and sober, thank god”) and implores the audience to never be afraid to ask for help, even if it’s something they feel ashamed about.
He then talks about starting the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992 from his kitchen table in Atlanta — they’ve now raised close to $600 million.
“In 1992 I used to deliver meals in Atlanta and people would never open their front doors because they didn’t want me to see them because they were covered in sores, there was nothing except (medication) AZT, that was a death sentence,” the musician explained.
“Now in 2020 we really have no need for anyone to die of this disease anymore, we don’t have a cure, but we do have the drugs to stop the spread of this disease. But we need three things to happen. We need to get the prices of the drugs down, we need to get the drugs to the people who cannot afford them and we need to stop the terrifying stigma that still surrounds this disease today.
“Even now in America, ie the civilised capital of the world – right – people are being thrown out of their homes because they’re HIV positive, they’re being abandoned by their families and their friends and the church which is completely disgusting, But that’s the church for you. Anyway … if there’s one thing I’ve learnt in my life it’s the extraordinary healing power of love and compassion.”
Musically, when you can open with Bennie and the Jets and keep the energy high after that you know that back-catalogue is no problem.
This final tour steers away from glossier material like his The Lion King soundtrack and sticks mainly to the 70s era, bar some 80s hits like I’m Still Standing and I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues.
There’s a handful of early deep cuts, but generally, if you’re only even vaguely familiar with pop culture, you’ll know 95-per-cent of the setlist.
Which is why it’s so special to hear these classic, timeless songs delivered so strongly on a farewell tour, not spluttered out by an act going through the motions.
His most passionate speech of the night is when he explains why he’s doing this lengthy farewell tour – his two kids.
“I have a family now. 10 years ago I wouldn’t be sitting here saying this, but now I do. I need to be with them.”
And of course there’s a heartfelt thank you for the fans – and a slapdown to his least favourite music format, before ending the show donning an oversized koala head. Well, he’s worn way more ridiculous things on stage … and this was clearly an unspoken shout out to what’s happened with our wildlife over this bushfire crisis.
“Music has been my companion during my life, during the good times, the bad times and the really bad times,” the performer said.
“It’s always been there for me, I’m forever grateful. There’s been one constant thing through this journey and it’s you people out there, without you I wouldn’t be sitting here right now. You bought the 45s, the albums, the cassettes – ugh – the CDs the DVDs, the merchandise but more importantly Hanging Rock you buy the tickets to the shows.
“I love to write songs, I love to make to records, but the thing I love the most is coming here tonight and playing live, as a musician and getting reactions from someone. I will never forget you guys, I’ve had enough applause to last me a million lifetimes.”
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You get the feeling that this won’t quite be the end. He’s clearly still enjoying this so much, that surely there’s a residency somewhere in his future, just no more endless touring. So he won’t be coming to you anymore, but don’t be surprised if you might be able to go to him.
Elton John plays Hanging Rock tonight (Sunday January 26), A Day on the Green Rochford Wines January 31, February 1, AAMI Park February 22.