‘I Will Never Forget You’: Elton John Stuns As Australian Farewell Tour Kicks Off

An Elton John concert is a mesmerising spectacle, even before the man of the hour hits the stage.

Thousands of novelty sunglasses blinking blue and red helped set the scene on the opening night of the Australian leg of the British music legend's Farewell Yellow Brick Road World Tour at Perth's HBF Park, and judging by the ample E.J. lookalikes scattered around the open-air venue, things were going to get loose very quickly.

It was dusk and the evening's headline act, known for being fashionable punctual, made his way onto stage to roaring applause, assuming his position behind the piano for set opener Bennie And the Jets.

Each opening piano hit sent shockwaves of excitement into the audience, striking punters like a dizzying shot of pop adrenaline.

John's voice was on-point from its opening line, with short, sharp melodies forcing fans to stomp and sway in time as the legend went head-to-head with lead guitarist Davey Johnstone's soaring guitar lines.

He took a stand at its conclusion to soak up waves of admiration as his sequin trim jacket sent sparkling beams of light in every direction before he jumped back behind the piano and rolled into the infectious rock rhythms of All The Girls Love Alice. Its chorus bass drop was suffocating, making John's lyrics more theatrical.

“We’re very happy to be back in this lovely city,” he declared. “We hope what you see is going to make you feel happy. I hope you hear the songs that you came to hear. This song is called I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues.”

The production was modest throughout the night, even during megahits like Tiny Dancer, which was supported by imagery and storylines you might expect in a music video, simply adding another layer to the music.

Of course, he was quick to mention his songwriting partner in crime, Bernie Taupin, describing their 52-year creative journey as one that's "odd, but never gets old".

As capture in 2019 biopic Rocketman, John writes melody and music around Taupin's lyrics, and as he does so a movie plays in his head.

Punters got to experience that euphoria first-hand via an immersive and out-of-this-world performance of Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time), John surrounded by imagery from space and dreamy visions of his band.

He was at his best during ballad-esque numbers, with their various ebbs and flows allowing lyrics, melody and piano to share equal spotlight.

Songs such as Take Me To The Pilot and Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word proved he was able to say more with a few piano chords than most could with an entire novel, both hits leaning heavily on the instrument, while others like Someone Saved My Life Tonight, the most personal track off his favourite album, 1975's Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy, and I Want Love were given new meaning by anecdotes that elevated their already powerful melodies.

He was truly in his element however when unleashing all he had on the piano, as evident via Levon, a single that concluded with a show-stopping jam that transitioned into one of many set highlights, Candle In The Wind.

For every seemingly self-indulgent jam session John and co embarked on they repaid the audience with big vocal hooks; a post-break jam/musical onslaught for Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding and Burn Down The Mission being followed by beloved pop number Daniel.

“I’ve had the best time, I’ve been so lucky, so fortunate to be have had the chance to play music for a living,” John said in an emotional farewell speech. “It’s brought me so much happiness, so many wonderful things and I’ve met so many wonderful people.

“From the bottom of my heart, I will never forget you guys…you’re in every part of my body, my soul, my heart – every fibre of my being. I’ve had enough applause to last me a million lifetimes.”

Emotions were at an all-time high and every soaring lyric of Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me felt like a punch in the gut, John clearly channelling his feelings into the bold number.

The night was coming to a close and he was intent on leaving a lasting impression, spitting the chorus of The Bitch Is Back and demanding attention in I'm Still Standing before claiming party of the year with set closers Crocodile Rock and Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting.

It was evident during encore Your Song - John under a spotlight and pouring his soul out - that everyone in attendance was witnessing a moment they'd never forget. And with that, after a seemingly short three hours, it was Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and farewell to one of the true greats. The ringing in ears will fade and the tears will dry, but the memories created by Elton John aren’t going anywhere.