Page 22 - ION Indie Magazine JulyAugust 2022
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The first Elton John song I ever heard might When I saw the stage and Elton's iconic piano
have been either "Crocodile Rock" or it was an awe-inspiring sight. Then, Elton took
"Daniel,” which my dad played for me when the stage, sat down at that piano, played one
I was much younger. I didn't really pay note, and the crowd went wild! They knew the
much attention to the songs at that time, song already…and so did I. As soon as I
and truth be told, I really didn't care for heard that first note of “Bennie and the Jets,”
"Daniel" at all. But that all would change a that was it! I don’t think I’ve ever cried so hard
few years later in 2016 when the movie in public! In my head, I was thinking, “I’m
"Sing" came out. The film, which portrays a really here right now, this is happening!” It
singing competition, featured a gorilla was nothing short of mind blowing!
named “Johnny” (played and sang by Taron
Egerton) who performed "I'm Still I hold Elton John close to my heart because
Standing.” I just thought he sang beautifully. his music really helped me get through the
Egerton additionally played Elton John in COVID 19 pandemic. I don’t know what I
the "Rocket Man" movie. “I’m Still Standing” would have done without his music, along
was the first song I really "heard" by Elton with The Beach Boys. It just helps me escape
John, although, to be fair, it wasn't Sir Elton from reality for a while, which is part of the
singing, but it was Egerton’s rendition. As I allure of great music.
really enjoyed the song, I looked it up on
Apple Music and discovered that Elton John I cried on the next two songs Elton John
originally released it. performed as well; "Philadelphia Freedom"
and "I Guess That's Why They Call It The
Well, I thought this was just some random Blues.” Honestly, I cried a LOT during the
song. However, I listened to Elton John's show. It was so amazing just to be there to
version, and I really liked it! I then delved see Elton in person and hear him play all my
into to some of Elton’s other songs and favorite songs right in front of me. It was a
equally enjoyed those, too. I then acquired very emotional experience. He did play some
the "Rocket Man" soundtrack from the songs that I was not as familiar with like
movie about Elton's life and I absolutely "Border Song" and "Levon,” which I really
LOVED it! This triggered an Elton John enjoyed to the point that it became of my
deep-dive of sorts, and I discovered a favorites that he played that night. Also, "Take
plethora of Elton John music that I Me To The Pilot" really surprised me. I had
embraced…all thanks to the "Rocket Man" heard it before, but in concert it really stood
movie. There is an abundance of Elton's out for me.
songs that I love, but if I had to choose, I
would say that "I'm Still Standing,” Everyone was having a great time and the
"Crocodile Rock,” "Bennie and The Jets,” crowd of about 12,000 people were all locked
"The Bitch Is Back," and "Your Song" are into each song that Elton played. I knew that
my top favorites. Now, on to the concert! with every selection that there was someone
in the audience that had a special connection
I remember we were coming down the to that particular song. It was fun watching
stairs of the parking garage outside of Van people's reactions and how well Elton related
Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to his audience. He mentioned that the crowd
and just seeing the amount of people that sounded like 50,000 people. At one point in
were already there waiting to get into the the show, Elton stopped to recognize a little
concert was impressive. We were about an boy sitting in the front row. Elton commented
hour early and people were lined up for that the boy had been singing and playing air
several blocks. I’ll admit, it was very piano on every song. He then went to the
overwhelming having that many people edge of the stage and gave the boy a pair of
moving at once, but, when we finally got to glasses that he had worn during the show. It
our seats, I calmed down. was a “moment.”
