European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - April 8, 1986, Darmstadt, Hesse                                F photo and Story by Anita Gosch staff writer t he lights go Down and the Roar of nearly10,000 Elton John fans echoes throughout the cavernous Frankfurt concert Hall. It already a half hour past Showtime last Friday night but no matter superstar Elton is allowed to be late. Besides what s another 30 minutes when you be waited months to see one of Rock s most exciting performers suddenly a Silhouette appears on stage next to the grand piano a smallish figure seemingly engulfed by the massive instrument. On top of what appears to be the head is a strip of four Inch spikes trailing Down the figure s Back in the latest Mohawk style. The fans Roar Dies Down. Could this be the Man they Veall been waiting for or is it just some Punk stagehand who got lost in the Maze of backstage corridors a sudden spotlight shows that it is indeed Elton. Underneath the spikes he wears a Hairpiece that Falls Well below his shoulders and yes he s got his outlandish sunglasses. The rest of his get up is a sky Blue jumpsuit with tails covered with Multi coloured patches. On the whole the impression is one of a circus Side show Freak. Contrary to any expectations one might have had of an explosive opening Elton begins with a Long drawn out piano Solo that appears to be largely self serving. The fans remain obediently in their seats and when it s Over respond with polite applause. This in to after All Why they came to see Elton. Elton finally realizes that and Breaks into a succession of his More popular songs. It is a Good mix of tunes with both old ones and new ones ballads As Well As rockers. There Are the upbeat classics rocket Man Philadelphia Freedom Bennie and the jets and saturday night s alright for fighting. Then there Are the soft Rock hits Blue eyes sad song song for Guy and someone saved my life tonight. From his new album ice on fire Elton selects the rocking this town the soulful cry to heaven and his current hit Nikita. Yet throughout it All the ice never really catches on fire. Elton worked harder in the past and gave better More energetic performances. After All it was his elaborate shows and his on stage antics including performing handstands on the keyboard that established him in the mid-70s As one of the hottest acts in Rock n Roll. Now a decade later Elton remains Mellow. Though his finesse at the keys is As Superb As Ever he just in t the same rocket Man limiting his movements to hopping up at the end of each song and taking a Bow. Of yes he still does the old trick of tossing his piano Bench aside and playing backwards Over his shoulders but this action appears More like a chore to him these Days. Perhaps it s because he s nearing the end of his massive world tour or perhaps it s his age he recently turned 39. The fact is one can t help but feel that after 16 successful years in Rock n Roll Elton May think he has nothing left to prove. One also can t help but feel Gyp Ped the same fare offered at the concert can be had at a lower Price in any record store. Elton John performs in Ludwigshafen april 8-9, Stuttgart april 10, Hamburg april 12-14, Bremen april 16, Vienna april 18-20, rotted an april 23-24 and Brussels april 25-26. Some shows May be sold out Check with local ticket outlets for More information. Without the whoosh tuesday april 8, 1986 the stars and stripes Page 13