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Don't expect Elton John's concerts tomorrow and Saturday to be much like the performances at the Blaisdell a year ago. Last year, it was just the man and his magic piano (with some electronic toys inside it) working solo for almost three hours without intermission. This time around he's bringing a band that includes drummer Nigel Olsson from the original band that helped make Elton John a star in 1970. Few seats left for
Elton John show
By John BergerSpecial to the Star-Bulletin
If the difference in format isn't reason enough for fans and curiosity seekers to snap up the few tickets still available, then try this: Elton's latest album, "One Night Only," was recorded during a Madison Square Garden concert with the band in October and includes at least two of the major early '70s hits -- "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "The Bitch is Back" -- that he didn't do here a year ago. With the songs so fresh in his memory, they may make the set list this time.
ON STAGE
Who: Elton John
The 17-track album includes many of his most enduring hits and features guest performances by Kiki Dee, Bryan Adams and Mary J. Blige. It also includes information on the new Elton John AIDS Foundation Visa card (call 1-(800)-523-5866).
Last year was a busy one for the man who defined a genre as the "Liberace of Rock" thanks to the over-the-top stage attire he used to shock crowds during his heyday as a stadium rock star in the '70s. He collaborated with Sir Tim Rice in reworking Verdi's "Aida" into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, and in creating the music for Dreamworks' animated feature film, "The Road to El Dorado," and was entangled in a bruising legal battle with an accounting firm and others over alleged mismanagement of his financial resources.
Year 2001 finds him embarking on at least one fresh creative project. The Honolulu concerts this weekend will almost certainly be among the biggest shows of the year here, but are something of a speedbump for Sir Elton as he preps for tour dates with fellow "piano man" Billy Joel. The duo will perform on the West Coast and Las Vegas through February, with additional shows in April, May and September (see www. eltonjohn.com).
An Elton John/Billy Joel double-bill will be a landmark show but for many fans, even four hours of Elton John playing 35 years worth of his musical catalog -- from "Bluesology" and "Lady Samantha" to the current arrangements of the hits heard on "One Night Only" -- wouldn't be enough, no matter who's sharing the bill.
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