Elton John told audiences at the first of three nights at Manchester's AO Arena that the city was ‘the place to play’ when touring with his first band.
On Wednesday night (May 31), the singer played to a sold-out crowd in Manchester during his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour which featured classic hits Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man and Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me and Your Song.
During the show’s encore, which featured a huge standing ovation from the thousands in attendance, the singer recalled his time playing in Manchester over the years, including at former venues Twisted Wheel on Brazennose Street and The Oasis on Lloyd Street.
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The gig marked the first time Elton has performed in Manchester in 15 years and his 24th time altogether.
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Speaking to the crowd, the singer said: “Tonight is the 311th show on the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour and my 8th concert at this venue and my 24th in Manchester.
“I remember when I was with my first band, when I came to Manchester it was the place to play. We had the Twisted Wheel and the Oasis and they were the hippest clubs in Britain apart from the Mojo in Sheffield.
"Those three pubs, we all wanted to come and play because they had the best audiences. And it’s always been the same, up here is amazing, you’re amazing, thank you.”
The Twisted Wheel was open from 1963 until 1971 and is known as one of the first clubs to play Northern Soul music. Durings its tenure, the likes of Eric Clapton, Tina Turner and Rod Stewart played at the club.
The likes of the Beatles, The Who and The Drifters are amongst those to have performed at the neighbouring Oasis bar, which ran from 1961 to 1967.
During his Manchester show, Elton added that he felt the city ‘had something special about it’.
“I always love this town and it has something special about it,” he said on stage. “You have a love of music, an incredible love of music. I want to thank you for your love and support over the last 50 years - it’s been amazing.
“You are very special people. Thank you for the love, I am blown away by your kindness and loyalty. Thank you Manchester.”
The singer will play Manchester Arena again on Friday and Saturday.
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