Valentines Day

Josh and I had a super romantic Valentines Day. It was just me, him, 18,000 singing people, AND SIR ELTON JOHN!

Before the concert we exchanged presents. I got myself *cough* ... I mean, Josh got me a Freshly Picked diaper bag and I got him some DVDs, a portable CD burner, and some capsules for his Nespresso machine.

Josh didn't feel like a diaper bag and Elton John tickets were good enough gifts for me, so he also got me these cute UGG boots and chocolate covered strawberries! He's the BEST!

On Saturday, February 16th, we left Theo at home with our trusty babysitter, Sam, and her four year old daughter. Sam had babysat Theo for us last weekend so she was comfortable with Theo's G tube and pump. Sam is going to school to become a Developmental Therapist too, so she is good with Special Needs kids.

After Sam and her daughter got settled in, Josh and I headed to the Allstate Arena in Rosemont (by the O'hare Airport). We made it there pretty quickly, paid $25 to park (Yikes!), and found our amazing seats!

Sir Elton John opened with Benny and the Jets and the crowd went WILD!

Sir Elton John took a break from performing every few songs so that he could address the audience. Once he talked about the most important day of his life, when he uttered the three most important words he had ever said: "I need help." He then told us that he came to Chicago for treatment and it was the best decision he ever made.

[Tiny Dancer]

[Indian Sunset - Duet with Ray Cooper on Percussion] 

[Rocketman]

[Candle in the Wind]

[Davey Johnstone with his "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" guitar]

[Still Standing]

[John Mahon - Percussion]

[Davey Johnstone with his "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" guitar]

Elton John addressing the audience again. He told us about his non-profit AIDS Foundation.  

[Crocodile Rock]

Right before the final song, Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting, Sir Elton John introduced us to his band:

Davey Johnstone (Musical Director, Guitars, Backing Vocals) - Been with the band since 1971

Nigel Olsson (Drums, Backing Vocals) - Been with the band since 1969

Ray Cooper (Percussion) - Been with the band since 1971

John Mahon (Percussion, Backing Vocals) - Been with the band since 1997

Kim Bullard (Keyboards) - Been with the band since 2009

Matt Bissonette (Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals) - Been with the band since 2012

The whole band was so much fun to watch, especially Davey, Nigel, and Ray!

[Saturday Night]

[Sir Elton John and Davey]

At the end of the concert, the band waved to the crowd! The energy was high and everyone was screaming!

[Ray Cooper, Matt Bissonette, Kim Bullard, Nigel Olsson, Sir Elton John, Davey Johnstone, and John Mahon]

Encore! Encore! Encore! 

After another costume change, Sir Elton John and his band came back on stage for a two song encore. Sir Elton John sang Your Song and then the band joined him for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (of course!).

[Your Song]

[Goodbye Yellow Brick Road] 

[Goodbye Elton]

I am so glad that we were able to see Sir Elton John during his Goodbye Yellow Brick Road retirement tour. Even though he is 71, he still has so much energy and you can tell how much he LOVES performing! 

After almost three hours of singing and playing the piano, the concert came to an end. If you get the chance to see Sir Elton John before this tour is over, I HIGHLY recommend you go!

My only complaint... and it's a small one... is that he didn't play any songs from Lion King. That's all! That's it! My only teeny tiny complaint! 

Set List:
Benny and the Jets
All the Girls Love Alice
I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues
Border Song
Tiny Dancer
Philadelphia Freedom
Indian Suset
Rocketman
Take Me to the Pilot
Someone Saved My Life Tonight
Levon
Candle in the Wind (Marilyn Monroe tribute)
Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
Burn Down the Mission
Daniel
Believe
Sad Songs
Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
The Bitch is Back
I'm Still Standing
Crocodile Rock
Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting

Encore:
Your Song
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

23 SONGS!