This was quite simply, a stunning show. I was lucky enough to have front row centre seats with sulky and Elvis did a lot more looking around. He clocked us a couple of times and acknowledged us at the end which was great.
I said earlier about Elvis saying about people coming the right night. That Elvis was up for it became apparent very early on. He played one of those shows where he could happily have played all night. When he came out and launched into the first 3 songs, you knew it was going to be a good show. He also
looked better.
I think Elvis kind of knew he owed us, and he really went for it.
The between song stories were good and some of them were mercifully edited which meant more playing time.
There were too many highlights to mention. Suit of lights was clearly impromptu. He decided to play something and some people shouted out songs (one of who shouted out for Accidents will happen which had already been played
). Elvis said "Even I don't know what I'm going to play". I should have shouted out something as he was just above me but I got caught up in the moment.
Key song highlights
Accidents had a shortened story - he left out the taxi driver bit.
I want to vanish was gorgeous
Shot with his own gun was further proof of Elvis' people looking at the forum (see what I mean FrankieJ
)
After Almost Blue Elvis made reference to seeing Diana sing it at the Royal Albert Hall and realising he was smitten
The woman makes the man was about the space race
Burn the paper down to ash was again stunning. I asked Rebecca if she could ask Elvis if she could borrow it for their shows. She has a terrific voice (goon squad also suggested she is ideal to play the part of Suzi Quatro if they ever make a film about her life)
God's comic - not a favourite of mine - was really good. I'm not sure if the girls had seen the call and respond bits before but they seemed to enjoy it!
After one of the songs Elvis blew a kiss to Diana who was, again, in one of the boxes.
I went on the first, third and last nights. The first and last night were definitely the better ones. The last night of Detour 2015 at Basingstoke was fantastic and this was definitely on a par. Personally I'd say it was better but you pays your money etc.
Elvis' voice held up well and the occasional croak added to the tenderness in a couple of the songs.
Outside, we waited for about an hour before Elvis came out. The crowd did dwindle. He came out just after 12.15am but he graciously signed stuff and posed for pictures. There wasn't really chance for individual chats. I'm glad I waited and even more pleased for Elvis' nods to me and sulky. It made a great evening even more worthwhile. I got home just before 2am but on nights like this it doesn't matter.
It was also a terrific fan forum turn out and we had a great time. I think another meet up is in order...