Alright you crazy and highly enthusiastic subscribers, it is time for the final upload of the European Express Tour of 1984. For an event like this, it is only fitting to upload the last show from the tour leg, and that show is Elton’s legendary concert from Wembley Stadium. This concert was originally uploaded many years ago, but after the improvements in Youtube’s audio compression, I have decided to upload a fresh version of the show. This also gives me an excuse to re-listen to the show and write a much more detailed review about it. Unlike the official releases, this soundboard source of the show is virtually complete and does not miss any songs (the official releases do not have “Tiny Dancer,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” and “One More Arrow” on them). Due to the source type, the audio quality is fantastic and you can really focus on more of the intricacies of the performances.

For the final show of the tour leg, Elton and the band put on a fantastic show with many performances often ranking high for tour standards or even ranking among the best versions of all time. The band sound extremely energetic at this show and every member shines on their respective instruments. Elton is in excellent voice as well - really turning up the aggression and overdrive in spots while showing great power on his belts. Despite this being the last show of the tour leg, his voice is up for nearly 2 hours of singing and he sure as hell makes it work! Now, time to discuss the performances!

“Tiny Dancer” sounds great with Elton singing the song fairly cleanly and he reaches full power with his vocal strength by the last verse. “Hercules” is the last live known performance until 1998, and it’s an interesting version to say the least. Elton switches lyrics in the last verse and Nigel seems to have issues with his snare drum (which leads him to use his toms as a substitute until the snare is working properly). “Rocket Man” is a classic version with Elton’s powerful vocal performance being a highlight. Another highlight is the accidental triggering of the drum machine for “Too Low For Zero” during the improvisation section (wtf?!) which happens 6:43 into the song. I guess somebody helped themselves to Elton’s stash before the concert? The world may never know. “Daniel” is a classic performance with Elton playing some extra spicy piano runs and sounding excellent vocally. “Restless” is sung with great power and vigor (along with a lyric flub in the last verse). “Candle In The Wind” sounds amazing with everybody sounding strong and Elton does a great sustain during his embellished ending section. “The Bitch Is Back” is full of energy and ranks among the best 1984 versions with Elton sounding splendid. “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” sounds excellent as Elton alters between his softer natural voice and the overdriven powerful voice that this tour is known for. “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” is a powerful version with Nigel’s drumming being a highlight and Elton sounding great. “Bennie And The Jets” is the classic version from the tour that features Elton’s dynamic vocal performance and his phenomenal piano playing. “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” sounds excellent with Elton’s falsetto shining, and “Philadelphia Freedom” sounds great overall with Elton’s voice shining.

“Blue Eyes” is an excellent version with Elton showing off his lower range prowess. “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” is a fantastic all-around version with Elton in great control of his voice. “Kiss The Bride” has Elton doing great vocal embellishments and the entire band sound incredible on this version of the song. “One More Arrow” is a solid rendition, but Elton doesn’t sustain phrases as long as other versions and he does more belting (instead of gliding and softer approaches) compared with them. “Too Low For Zero” has Elton going into full overdrive/growl mode along with his typical embellishments on the song. The rest of the band sound amazing with great harmony work and Fred Mandel’s synthesizer work in particular sounds gorgeous. “I’m Still Standing” is a good version overall with some fantastic musicianship from Davey and Dee. “Your Song” ranks among the greatest live versions with Elton giving an outstanding vocal performance and Davey showcasing some brilliant guitar work. “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” has Elton singing the first chorus like the record version (no C5 on “diesel train”) and he sounds brilliant throughout the performance with his voice showing off great power. The energy levels get higher as the performance progresses (along with the tempo getting faster) and the instrumental/improvisation sections are top notch. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” sounds fantastic with Elton’s voice shining on the falsetto sections. “Crocodile Rock” is an energetic version with the instrumental work sounding great. Finally, the “Rock And Roll Medley” concludes this legendary show with some excellent performances!

ENJOY!!!

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