It was the day many music fans had waited months for as Elton John, one of the world’s biggest stars, took to the stage at Worcestershire County Cricket Club to the sheer elation of the Faithful City audience.
Dressed in a black suit and red trousers, the superstar — known for his lavish costumes and eye-popping performance — milked the applause of the sell-out crowd of 17,000.
“It’s great to be here at this beautiful cricket ground in this wonderful setting,” the musical legend said.
Earlier in the day there was a real buzz around the ground as crowds of music-lovers began milling around the venue in the early afternoon, basking in the glorious sunshine as they waited to get in.
Kay Bodrozic, 63, from Melbourne, Australia, had come along with her cousin Pauline Clements, 62, from Worcester, after their city-based aunt Lynne Smith bought tickets for them.
Mrs Bodrozic, who was visiting friends and family, said: “I’m really looking forward to it as I’ve never seen him live before. My favourite of his songs is Candle In The Wind.”
Meanwhile, Elton fan Sue Atterbury, 45, from Upton, came along with her daughter Jodie, 19, and friend Lyn Salter, 43, from Malvern.
Mrs Atterbury had been an Elton fan for about 25 years and rated the star’s 1975 album Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy as her favourite.
She said: “I’ve always been a fan and always wanted to see him but never thought I would. When I heard he was coming to Worcester I just thought ‘I’ve got to go!’”
Richard Chamberlain, 61, from Lower Broadheath, said: “I’m over the moon about it — it makes a change to have something like this in the city.”
And Dave Spencer, 55, and wife Pauline, 51, from Pershore, said: “We’re really looking forward to it — he’s always been an incredible entertainer. He and Bernie Taupin are fantastic songwriters.”