The Rocketman at The Fire Station, Sunderland promised us to be a fun filled evening filled with Elton’s best hits. He took us to the moon and back and even down the Yellow Brick Road with a night packed with glitz, glamour and immense entertainment!
This was the first time I have visited The Fire Station at Sunderland for a gig and I was so impressed. It has such a sleek, modern design inside and there is a wide variety of great drinks available too. Inside the auditorium there was a dazzling disco ball, top of the range technology with the lighting and the interactive screen and plenty of space between the seating. I didn’t feel cramped at all and this made for a very relaxed, comfortable watching experience.
The live band made their way onto stage with drums, keyboard, bass and lead guitar. They also had a stunning backing singer who provided great backing vocals all night. The man himself took to the stage in a wonderful outfit, I do think Elton would be proud. He had the biggest gold bow tie I’ve ever seen and the best assortment of iconic sunglasses.
They began their set with a burst of energy with Pinball Wizard, a firm favourite of mine. Jimmy Love as Elton John had the most immense stage presence and his characterisation of Elton was just exceptional. He had the audience in the palm of his hand and had so much interaction with us as well. I particularly loved it when he asked the woman in the front row for a drink, which she provided in the second half! It was like having a comedian as well as our Elton tribute with his witty one liners and roasting of the audience.
The sound from the band was full and well rounded. The band were on top form from beginning to end and just looked like they were having the most fun on stage together- excellent comradery. I particularly loved the jaws theme tune being played and the shark head appearing on the bassist. Clearly an inside joke but it made me smile.
Not only was Jimmy Love an exceptional vocalist, with the most stunning falsetto voice, he was amazing on the piano too, playing those iconic Elton John slides on the keys. He relayed stories of Elton’s life and the meaning behind his songs throughout the whole set. I could have listened to him tell stories all evening long- he had such an amazing way with storytelling.
His first outfit change had to be my favourite with the fabulous multi coloured feathers and bejewelled swimming cap. He looked truly fabulous. He gave a great rendition of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road leading into the penultimate song of the first half.
The highlight of the evening for me, had to be, Candle in the Wind, in which they honoured both Marylin Monroe and Lady Diana Spencer. It was a truly touching tribute which was so reverently performed in honour of two wonderful women who left us too soon. They pieced together both sets of lyrics from the songs.
My favourite Elton songs came after our short interval with I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues and I’m Still Standing. Both performed with such energy and passion. The audience were loving it and were up on their feet boogying away.
My only wish is that there would have been a fuller audience. The Fire Station is such a terrific venue so please check out their up and coming shows- you will not be disappointed.
Jimmy Love and his incredible band were truly terrific and actually left my husband saying it was the best tribute he had ever seen. A powerhouse of an all round entertainer. What a spectacular evening that left everyone still standing by the end of the set.