Photography: Jonathan White – Words: Chris Brooks
Melbourne, Friday the 13th, a still very much rockin, veteran and legend 75 year old Elton John played his second last Melbourne show at AAMI Park, it was a beautiful warm summer night coupled with a surprise full moon from none other than Mr Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum.
Just before playing ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’ Elton praised Molly thanking him for “All the love and loyalty he’s shown over the years”. During the next song ‘The Bitch Is Back’ Molly with the assistance of help Molly joined Elton at the Piano, danced and eventually dropped his pants, providing everyone in attendance with a full view of his wrinkly behind. Molly and Elton seemed to thoroughly enjoy the unforgettable and very much memorable moment.
Elton rocked through hit after hit with the help of a very impressive backing band – drummer Nigel Olsson, guitarist/bandleader Davey Johnstone and percussionist Ray Cooper.
AAMI stadium was packed with an ecstatic crowd that sang a long and danced the night away. Elton is in Australia and New Zealand for the remainder of January playing his last shows ever, making these shows so very special.
Elton John setlist – Melbourne 13 January 2023
Bennie and the Jets (from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 1973)
Philadelphia Freedom (single, 1975)
I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues (from Too Low For Zero, 1983)
Border Song (from Elton John, Elton John, 1970)
Tiny Dancer (from Madman Across The Water, 1971)
Have Mercy on the Criminal (from Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player, 1973)
Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time) (from Honky Chateau, 1972)
Take Me to the Pilot (from Elton John, Elton John, 1970)
Someone Saved My Life Tonight (from Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, 1975)
Levon (from Madman Across The Water, 1971)
Candle in the Wind (from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 1973)
Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding (from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 1973)
Burn Down the Mission (from Tumbleweed Connection, 1971)
Sad Songs (Say So Much) (from Breaking Hearts, 1984)
Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (from Blue Moves, 1976)
Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (from Caribou, 1974)
The Bitch Is Back (from Caribou, 1974)
I’m Still Standing (from Too Low For Zero, 1983)
Crocodile Rock (from Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player, 1973)
Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting (from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 1973)
Encore
Cold Heart (from The Lockdown Session, 2021)
Your Song (from Elton John, Elton John, 1970)
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 1973)
