subject: Elton John Tickets - Despite Controversy, Elton's Morocco Concert Is A Hit [print this page] Though he's reportedly shy in person, Elton John has never been a wallflower while he's performing. He likes shaking things up, whether by dressing like a space-age pinball wizard or saying things that are guaranteed to shock your grandparents. And this year, he's had plenty of grandparent-shock to deliver, claiming that Jesus was a "super-intelligent gay man" and saying that being a gay woman in the Middle East today is a particularly hard row to hoe.
Not surprisingly, his statements regarding religion have made him a magnet for criticism by conservatives everywhere and especially in the Middle East. When it was announced a short while back that he would be performing in Egypt (at a private party, no less), the musicians' union there banned him from doing so. There was worry that a similarly heated response from authorities would get him kicked off the lineup of a Moroccan music festival, as well.
But cooler heads prevailed in the end, and the Moroccan festival's organizers said Elton's personal life was his own business. He was only being asked to be a performer, not a lecturer, and a Reuters news report about the concert suggests that Elton played it safe, thanking the crowd for being there and organizers for inviting him, but saying little else other than what's printed in the lyrics to his songs.
"God bless you all... God bless Morocco," he said. Despite the presence of security staff and mounted police, there was no violence or even a peep of protest, resulting in what most accounts said was an excellent show. The fans seemed just as entranced by Captain Fantastic's stage manner as anyone else at one of his concerts.
From the Reuters article: "The audience joined in with hits 'I'm Still Standing' and 'Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word' while a hushed reverence descended with the first bars of 'Candle in the Wind.' Hundreds of people paid 600 Moroccan dirhams ($67) for a ticket. 'It's magical, just magical,' said Houda Sefriou, a 48-year-old housewife."
After all the strife Elton has been through in the past year or so-facing criticism from authorities in both the Middle East and Ukraine, where he attempted to adopt a child-it's nice to see that some people still see the man as just a fantastic entertainer. It's hard not to, considering the litany of hits in his back-catalogue. Of course, what fans everywhere want to see is that he keeps up a rigorous touring schedule around the world and brings his fantastic piano-driven rock to concerts everywhere across the globe.
Elton John is still a pretty busy cat, selling out concert venues all over and hitting up both sides of the Atlantic for performances each year. He somehow seems to find time for a personal life and massive fundraising campaigns, as well. Don't underestimate his energy level, no matter what the rock star's age.
Want to see Captain Fantastic live in concert? Get Elton John tickets from StubHub for an upcoming performance.
