Elton John needed no introduction opening his sold-out concert Wednesday night in Blaisdell Arena. Sir Elton walked out onstage shortly before 8:30 p.m. and entertained for almost three hours.

He played an eclectic mix of chart hits and lesser-known songs that are evidently personal favorites. Among the most memorable choices were arrangements of “;Rocket Man,”; “;Levon”; and “;Daniel”; that featured variations on the familiar melodies. He also fulfilled fans' expectations with “;Tiny Dancer,”; “;Honky Cat”; and “;Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me.”;

Lucky folks down front got a bonus when he spent two full minutes signing autographs before closing the show with “;Crocodile Rock”; and “;Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting.”;

Percussionist Ray Cooper likewise had no introduction when he joined the concert in progress around 9:45 p.m.

For the next 95 minutes, Cooper played an assortment of percussion instruments that included timpani, tambourines, cymbals, vibraphone, tom-toms, tubular bells, congas and a large gong. Cooper provided most of the showmanship in the show, especially for those in the upper levels of the arena who couldn't see Elton's hands working the keyboards.

Bringing up the house lights became the cue for the crowd to give Elton standing ovations as the evening went on. Most of the folks in the front section on the arena did so each time the lights came up; those at higher altitudes generally remained seated. However, when Elton indicated that he wanted the audience to sing the chorus on “;Crocodile Rock,”; it sounded like everyone was singing along.

Elton was in good voice, but the mix was problematic—at least in the upper level. The board levels for the piano and the electronic instruments Elton was playing were too high for much of the evening. Only when he played softly could the beauty of the piano could be appreciated.

The show will certainly stand as one of 2010's best concerts here even though three hours wasn't nearly enough time for Elton to play his choices and all the songs his fans wanted to hear.

Fans mentioned afterward that he didn't do “;Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,”; “;Someone Saved My Life Tonight,”; “;Little Jeannie,”; “;Island Girl,”; “;The Bitch Is Back”; or “;Candle in the Wind.”;

On the other hand, none of our local “;oldies”; or “;classic rock”; stations plays “;Take Me to the Pilot,”; and it was great to hear Elton dust that one off with Cooper rocking behind him.

» For additional photos from Wednesday's concert, visit hilife.starbulletin.com.