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I'm Still Standing After Sir Elton Rocks Chesterfield

Sunday 10th June 2012

It was THE event of the year in Chesterfield, over twelve months in the making and the result of much planning, preparation and purpose.

No one we spoke to in the run up to it could quite believe it was happening and, most walking into the stadium on Saturday night, expressed a sense of shocked delight to see the change in the venue in 5 short days.

I'm Still Standing After Sir Elton Rocks Chesterfield

However, anyone planning to venture to the b2net last night would have been forgiven for thinking that 'Wet Wet Wet' may have been a more appropriate act for that evening. The heavens had chosen to empty all day and sales of macs in town had risen threefold.

They do say though that the sun shines on the righteous, and, someone at Chesterfield FC must have been very good lately as just on cue, the clouds disappeared and was replaced by blue sky.

It's fair to say that the event, the first ever of its kind at the stadium, starring one of the biggest names in the Industry, was a huge gamble for the club and there were no doubt some sleepless nights in the build up to the big day.

However, there is no doubt at all that they pulled it off in style and the b2net, so synonymous of late with bouncing, didn't just bounce - it rocked!

Few there will ever forget the sight of thousands upon thousands jigging and singing in unison to 'I'm Still Standing' and 'Rocket Man'.

15,019 people, of all ages, from Chesterfield and beyond, packed in with their funky Elton glasses and their picnics to watch one of the greatest superstars at work.

Anyone who had expected it to be people of a certain age who had grown up with Sir Elton would have been disappointed - there were children as young as 9 in the crowd, showing not only the huge appeal of the Artist, but the impact of the event on the town and the valued memory it would doubtless create. "The first concert at the b2net? Sir Elton?... I was there!"

And what a show it was. Given Sir Elton's reputation as a bit of a diva, one could have been forgiven for thinking that it would be a later then planned start but no, on cue at 8.05, the man himself appeared, in a surprisingly low key entrance - to stunned silence at first and then a huge cheer that could be doubtless be heard for miles. A seemingly gentle and humble man, he appeared to be genuinely delighted to be in the company of the Chesterfield crowd and was profuse in his thanks both in gesture and words after every hit.

And they kept coming, backed by a band that has travelled the world for 4 decades with him and the wonderful new boys - the 2 Cellos - products of the Royal Academy of Music of which Sir Elton himself was a pupil.

'Sacrifice', 'Candle in the Wind', 'Sad Songs', 'Nikita', the very aptly titled 'I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues' - which prompted a huge and grateful cheer from the Spireites in the crowd - and 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word' proved to be the favourites but, towards the end, as darkness fell (a moment cleverly, or fortuitously timed to coincide with 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me') the crowd joined as one to become Elton's backing choir.

If the b2net had a roof it would have lifted as 'I'm Still Standing' and 'Crocodile Rock' belted out across Whittington Moor. After 10 pm, the crowd began sensing it was time to leave and, at every pause that Elton took, began the chant of "more more" and the Rocket Man obliged, finally ending with a heartfelt "thank you" to the crowd and the fans for their years of "loyalty and love and wishing them health and prosperity".

He had kind words too for the club itself, saying that the stadium was lovely and one that his beloved Watford FC would love to have. "All involved" said Sir Elton, "had been a pleasure to work with."

We had been warned beforehand by Elton's people that he was a tireless performer and would put on the same quality show for the Queen, Las Vegas, or the 'ordinary' towns he chooses to patronise, rather than the Arenas. A people's performer is Elton - despite his Knighthood - and he didn't disappoint.

65? Recovering from an infection which would have floored most of us even half his age? You would never have guessed at either!

Stunning was probably the best word that I can use in a family newspaper. Absolutely awesome.

And, in little old Chesterfield too!

And there's the thing - for so long we have travelled to Sheffield, to Manchester and Nottingham to see the stars, yesterday was a chance to prove that anything they can do, Chesterfield can too.

A wonderful evening of firsts for all - Elton, the town and the club - and one which will be talked about for years to come.

Much as I hate the epithet, we can confidently say that after the visit by Sir Elton, move over Las Vegas, because CHEZ Vegas is here to stay!

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