Elton John dazzles Krakow

Elton John performs at the Krakow Arena. Photo: PAP/Jacek Bednarczyk

On entering the stage, sporting a violet tailcoat, the 67-year-old star did his best to grapple with Polish pronunciation.

“Krakow! Did I pronounce that right? No? Oh alright, you can shoot me later on then.”

Given that the tour was created to mark the 40th anniversary of his 17-track album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, the lion's share of the gig revolved around the singer's golden days in the early 1970s.

The audience, mostly in their forties, gave classics such as "Bennie and the Jets", "Saturday's Night's Alright for Fighting" and "Candle in the Wind" a rapturous applause.

Hit tracks from later albums were also given an airing, such as "I'm Still Standing" and "Sacrifice."

The British star demonstrated that he had lost none of his virtuoso touch at the keyboard, leaving the audience visibly impressed.

“The older I get, and believe me, it happens very quickly, the more I like to play for you,” he said.

“You're so nice to me wherever I show up, that I can't find words to thank you.

“I'm happy: I have a wonderful partner, I have wonderful children and I have you,” he enthused.

The epic tour takes in 60 gigs, and Elton's next stop is Minsk, before he heads on to St.Petersburg. (nh)

Source: PAP/interia.pl