By Derek Schlennstedt
At 70 years old, Sir Elton John hasn’t lost any of his flair for performing rapturous piano melodies.
The singer/songwriter graced the Yarra Valley on Sunday, performing hit songs, Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer and Bennie And The Jets at Rochford’s A Day on the Green.
A commanding performer, Sir Elton amped up the excitment by opening with his classic and up tempo hit The Bitch Is back.
His voice had lost none of its soulful potency, and he demonstrated that powerful bluesy yet sonorous voice by performing songs I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues, and Take Me To The Pilot.
But, it was a lasting comment made by the songwriter mid-way through his performance that made crowds yell-out in agreement and raise their hands in solidarity of same sex marriage.
“People being blown up, having acid thrown in their face in England. People driving cars into people and killing them. Violence, hatred, God knows what else. North Korea. America. I actually hate it.
“All I can do as a musician is play music and hope and pray that one day it’s going to get better because I don’t want my two boys to grow up in a world full of hate.
“I want compassion, understanding, generosity of spirit and love … that’s why you have to vote Yes, okay?”
The statement was the perfect introduction to his hit song, ‘I want love’.
The performance on Rochford’s lawn suited the icon, and as the sun descended beyond the horizon it was apt that Sir Elton should end with the sentimental Candle In The Wind.
