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Sir Elton has 'em rocking at the arena

10:42pm Saturday 5th July 2008

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By Nigel Burton »

Darlington rocked to the sound of Sir Elton John this evening as thousands of fans celebrated a new era in Darlington FC's £20m stadium.

Not even a thunderstorm could dampen the delirium as Sir Elton strode on stage dressed in a black suit and purple shirt to belt out some of his greatest hits.

Officials at the football club hope the concert's success will lead to more big name attractions to help put Darlington on the live entertainment map.

Read all about the concert in Monday's Northern Echo which will have a four page special devoted to Elton's big night out.

You can leave your own review at the bottom of this article, just click on the comments link.

Don't forget to visit the concert picture gallery. Just click the link opposite.

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Your Say YourNorth-East

harry, darlington says...
12:00am Sun 6 Jul 08

fantastic show hope its the first of many

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Charlotte, Luton says...
12:08am Sun 6 Jul 08

Amazing performance by Sir Elton!! Every track was flawless. As for the crowd - disappointing!! "I'm Still Sitting" would be an appropriate headline! Most looked as though they'd never been to a concert before and didn't bother standing up and enjoying the music until Bennie & The Jets when the front block swarmed to the front. Only then I felt as though I had got what I paid for!!

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Aidan, Newcastle upon Tyne says...
2:53am Sun 6 Jul 08

A great concert. Elton was on top form as usual. I prayed that it would stay dry for the concert, a little faith goes a long way! I`ve been to Elton`s shows four times now and this one was the best. I met Elton and got his autograph at Feethams in 1976 when he was a director of Watford FC. The audience was great in answer to Charlotte. When you`re a Darlington FC supporter, you are a little more reserved. Congratulations to all involved at Darlington Football Club for the excellent organisation. Also a word for George Reynolds who was responsible for building what Elton called tonight "a great stadium."

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Chris, Ferryhill says...
7:35am Sun 6 Jul 08

In response to Charlotte from Luton, several people insisted on standing up all the way through the concert spoiling the view for everybody, even when everybody else was sat down. If you were dissapointed that you didn't think you got value for money until people stood up then pity for you.

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Mary, Darlington says...
8:57am Sun 6 Jul 08

A fabulous performance from Sir Elton and his Band - wonderful musicians. Great location and atmosphere, and wonderful to have it on our doorstep! The organisation was fantastic too. Looking forward to the next one. The Almighty answered prayers and kept the rain away - it was all perfect. As for Charlotte's comment - those who insist on standing right through are pretty selfish really blocking others' view and should think of those behind them who have also paid high prices to see a great artist. Pity on her if she buys a seat and doesn't use it! One can show one's enthusiasm and appreciation just as easily sitting down. Only one comment - there was no need to keep the exit car parks closed for so long - having walked to the gate it was obvious that they could have been opened at least 20 minutes before they were.

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JOHNTY, N/AYCLIFFE says...
9:24am Sun 6 Jul 08

WHAT A NIGHT, WHAT PERFORMANCE'S BY BOTH ARTISTS, AND WHAT PERFESSIONAL STEWARDSHIP. IAM WHELLCHAIR BOUND AND HAD TICKETS FOR THE DISABLED END, WE WERE( MY CARER AND MYSELF), TREATED WITH DIGNITY ALSO BY THE MASSED CROWDS AT THE END OF THE CONCERT. WHAT A STARTER FOR ALL AT D.F.C. AND HOPE THAT THIS ONE WORKED SO THAT THEY COULD BE MORE . ALSO THANK YOU TO THE NEARBY RESIDENTS WHO YES HEARD THER CONCERT FOR FREE IF THEY WANTED TO BUT FOR PUTTING UP WITH US ALL . THANKS TO ALL CONCERNED

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arlene harland, says...
10:12am Sun 6 Jul 08

Brilliant show, well organised, great atmosphere I absolutely loved it and was proud to be part of what hopefully will be the first of many shows to come to the stadium!

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Nicola, Fife says...
10:17am Sun 6 Jul 08

Anyone got any idea what time he comes on at? I'm off to the Perth concert tonight, can't wait!

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Neil, Darlington says...
10:40am Sun 6 Jul 08

It might be different in Perth, but in Darlington he came on at about 20:10 & was on until 22:40 without a break!

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Jac, Darlington says...
10:42am Sun 6 Jul 08

What an excellent start to DFC's musical events. Hopefully there is more to come! Well worth the money to see Elton in Darlington. The support act - Richard Fleeshman - got the show off to a good start and Elton was just as expected...fantastic
!

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Neil, Whitby says...
10:46am Sun 6 Jul 08

Brilliant. 5th -and best- time I've seen him. Well done Darlington!!

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John J, Darlington says...
10:57am Sun 6 Jul 08

Wow-What more can i say,super fans,super view,super duper Elton John and great weather.All involved take a pat on the back,well organized and again credit to George Reynolds who made this stadium what it got credit from the Man himself.
Elton was quick to credit the fans,stadium and all the people involved-im still buzzing to the sound of pinball wizard in my head.Please feel free to come back Sir Elton.THANKYOU.

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Nicola, Fife says...
11:01am Sun 6 Jul 08

Thanks Neil, wanted to make sure I got there in time.
Sounds like I'm in for a great night! :)

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jack young 6yrs, darlington says...
11:11am Sun 6 Jul 08

excellent my first ever consert and mum and dad enjoyed it to

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Mags, Darlington says...
11:17am Sun 6 Jul 08

An excellent concert, can't wait for more stars to come the the Arena. The stewards and staff of Darlo stadium did a sterling job. The party atmosphere was brilliant and Elton was amazing!!


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Tracey, South Shields says...
11:28am Sun 6 Jul 08

Captain Fantastic worked his magic yet again, Elton never fails to give 100% to his audience, a truly magical evening. Thank you Sir Elton.

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Yvonne, 3 streets from the stadium says...
11:30am Sun 6 Jul 08

My first ever concert at 50, we made a day of it thanks to my brother and sister in law. I am still buzzing this morning! Fantastic stadium, good facilities and clean. Thanks to the Darlo staff for a well organised event and what can I say, Elton John you really are a class entertainer, my throat is sore and my legs all danced out, thank you. I look forward to more of the same.

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Ian, in me front room says...
11:44am Sun 6 Jul 08

I could hear the concert last night sat in my lounge at home and i could hear Elton singing some of his hits, Sacrifice, don't let the sun, your song, etc, and it sounded great coz i could hear the crowd singing his songs aswell.Its great for Darlington and the north- east and i would have gone but 60 quid i thought was a bit steep before hand.Anyhow, i hope we get more big stars coming to the town and this is a start of a new era for d.f.c. giving fans value for money by getting rock stars to sing there instead of the football team lol. Anyhow, not to worry if it gives the football club some extra money it might do the team some good too.

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emily, Darlington says...
12:24pm Sun 6 Jul 08

Some really nice comments here, I didn’t go as I’m not an Elton fan but live close to the stadium and it's nice to see some positive feedback not just about THE MAN himself but about the way it was handled by all concerned. This has to be a positive for Darlington on the whole let’s hope we see some more in the future. I could hear it where I lived and I’m expecting to see loads of complaints from people living closer than me because that’s what they do on match days. It's only now and again so it’s ok with me lets have some more!!!!

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Kat, Darlo says...
12:34pm Sun 6 Jul 08

what an amazin nite, i have to agree with it being slightly frustrating that many people remained seated when myself and my friends wanted to dance, but we simply moved out of the way of people who where quite content sitting and our dancin would have ruined their view. everyone was happy that way, i hope the club is now able to have more concerts and events as i think for a 1st event it was 1 of the most orginised i have been to, it flowed a lot easier than some i expected it would

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cliff, Bromsgrove says...
12:36pm Sun 6 Jul 08

fourth time seeing Elton and probably the best yet - all Elton's great songs were welcomed by the fans like a best friend,you could hear the genuine love of his music by people of all ages as the intros started. Great to see so many youngsters there. Well worth the journey up and late return home- good luck Darlington I hope you go on to stage many more shows - reckon you well placed between leeds n newcastle to be a successful host. Fantastic performance, fantastic atmosphere and fantastic night

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David and Michelle Moss, darlington says...
12:37pm Sun 6 Jul 08

My wife and myelf attended the Elton John concert on Saturday 5th July and were blown away by the whole event! Firstly the organisation of it and secondly by Sir Elton himelf. Not many artists can perform 'live' and sound anywhere near as good as he did, forever the showman and totally professional. I would find it incredible if anyone had anything to moan about last nights performance. I sincerly hope that this has set the bench mark for many more future performances of top class acts as it is great for both Darlington and most of all it's football club

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carol, hartlepool says...
1:06pm Sun 6 Jul 08

fantastic night great stadium, only bad moment two people in front wanted to stand all way through no harm you may think, but a little selfish swinging arms all over without any concideration for others, most people around stood sang clapped but used there own space, we all paid good money dont spoil it . perth you are in for a great night enjoy


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Maureen Hollowood, Blackpool says...
1:34pm Sun 6 Jul 08

The Concert was Fabulous, as usual Elton didn't dissapoint his fans, 2 1/2 hours is standard for him and the band, it was my 31st Elton concert and the Stadium is fantastic. The night was spoiled by the shambles for the park and ride buses. Carlisle FC last year was much better organised, to those involved with this please contact Carlisle to find out how to improve your service for future concerts

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Chris, Ferryhill says...
1:57pm Sun 6 Jul 08

Must also add that the stewarding towards the end of the concert was abysmal, me and my family were seperated when they decided to block everybody in with a gate!

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Mark, Hurworth says...
2:05pm Sun 6 Jul 08

I think it's amazing and what the town has needed for a long time, a stadium like that is going to waste if it's not used for other things as well. HOWEVER.. Everyone is hailing it as wonderfull that the stadiums new management are preserving it's future by doing this when only a little while back a certain George Reynolds said he could save the future of the club by holding concerts and car boots - but the counsil said no way? - I'm not the biggest reynolds fan and i'd love to see more concerts at the stadium but has the hypocrocy slipped past every one else - If i was george reynolds i'd be suing the counsil right about now!!

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lisa cater, darlington says...
2:30pm Sun 6 Jul 08

What a truely magical night, flawless from start to finish. I was lucky to get right to the front for the final few songs and sing straight into the legends eyes themselves. Fantastic.

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Claire & Vic, Middlesbrough says...
3:05pm Sun 6 Jul 08

We were an amazing 5th row from the front and the view was amazing especially as no pit!! This was our first ELTON show and hopefully not the last. It was weird how everyone was seated througout, in a way a postive as everyone could see, but a negative as you couldnt have a little boogie. It was FANTASTIC when we ended running to the front of the stage and were that close he nearly touched us... i thought it was so special how he signed peoples programmes, tickets, t-shirts... the atmosphere was electric!!

WHAT A LEGEND AND TRUELY DESERVES TO BE A SIR!!!

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colin, darlington says...
3:27pm Sun 6 Jul 08

What a fantastic night my wife and i were right at the back but saw everything.Great atmosphere and Sir Elton was superb.Hopefully this will be the first of many such nights

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shane wheeldon, says...
4:23pm Sun 6 Jul 08

as a true darlo fan it was something i never expected to see .what with this council and the miserable gets from the neasham road group.its two fingers up to them. elton was fantastic.as for charlotte if you stood up all the time youd probely get thrown out ps i live just of neasham road

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ian smith, Keswick says...
4:38pm Sun 6 Jul 08

fantastic night for the town, as a former resident was amazing sight to see the stdium let alone see it full! regarding Reynolds, perhaps had he behaved appropriately instead of riding roughshod over everybody he may have got this sort of event.....even if he had though I doubt he would have ran it as magnificently.
Superb show, agree with the earlier reader about the park and ride having been to carlisle myself but hey cut some slack this was the first of what hopefully will be regular events in the town

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Angela, barnard castle says...
5:18pm Sun 6 Jul 08

Great performance and fantastic evening - can't blame the fans for not getting up and dancing, I think Elton could have encouraged them to get up more. Loved the music but I'd have liked to see more interaction with the audience from the man himself.

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RP, Darlington says...
5:22pm Sun 6 Jul 08

It was a good show but the sterwarding atthe end was badly organised. What was the point of separating the bus ques into A, B and C only to end wup with a free for all at the end?

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Terry, Newton Aycliffe says...
7:33pm Sun 6 Jul 08

Brilliant night , concert & weather, it was fantastic to see so many people supporting this event, the stadium looked great, full of fans, hope to see more. What would be nice if more big stars followed Sir Elton, and had concerts on our doorstep. Also well done to all organisers, the night was FANTASTIC !!!!!

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Rachel Hudson, Darlington says...
7:41pm Sun 6 Jul 08

My mum and I were two of the naughty ones who left seats to go and dance on the pitch. Not only could you not see very well from the back stand the atmosphere wasn't what you would call electrifying. Once down on the pitch the atmosphere was amazing everyone dancing and singing and enjoying being together - even strangers talking laughing and dancing with each other. Elton John amazing could not fault him at all. Only complaint the bar ran out of water and other drinks and there was only 3 bar staff on each bar and it took 45 mins to get to the front of the bar. Therefore missing the warm up act.

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diane, says...
7:52pm Sun 6 Jul 08

An excellent evening, Elton is amazing a great entertainer. Well done to the organisers, everything as far as I was concerned went to plan. Shame the wine was sold out half way through that was the only un-organised part. Richard Fleeshman was excellent too think he will go far in years to come.

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sharon, scotton north yorkshire says...
9:13pm Sun 6 Jul 08

WOW!.....have been to quite a few gigs and this one is up there with the best of them. last saw elton in 1991 at the freddie mercury tribute gig at wembley stadium. he has just gotten better with time, a true artist. while i appreciate the comments about people sitting during the performance it is about respect for the people behind you.they paid their money too.but i can see the point as most gigs use the pitch for standing only (and dancin:) i loved it, would do it all again tonight if i could elton was amazin. one thing i would change though would be the stewards at the front mouthing to each other how bored they were!!!! not very professional boys.!

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Ben, Darlington says...
9:47pm Sun 6 Jul 08

Fantastic night and coming from someone not particularly an Elton fan but converted now non the less!!! Now is time to make a stand and bring on more artists, bands, shows!!! Bring on the might that is Coldplay next

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Liz Allison, Billingham says...
12:23pm Mon 7 Jul 08

Had an absolutely brilliant night, well done to all those behind the organisation. Elton John was outstanding, as always. Bring on Bryan Adams next time!!!

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Mike Rowcroft, Spennymoor says...
4:59pm Mon 7 Jul 08

Fantastic night - I have seen Reg about 5 times now and he never fails to impress. It was an electric atmosphere with everyone up dancing. OK there were a few niggles with the the stewards/ organisation but thats to be expected with the first major gig at the venue. Im sure lessons will be learned for the next and many more in the future. Well done to all concerned.

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Helen, Hartlepool says...
6:19pm Mon 7 Jul 08

Absolutely fabulous evening. Elton as always was fantastic.
Very well organised until the end when we were pushed and shoved (my parents included) by hundreds of people fighting to get on the park and ride buses. A complete lack of organisation resulted in it being impossible to try and board a bus due to a large number of drunk people who basically made it a free-for-all.
Ended up walking up the A6280 back to the car park in the dark, which was downright dangerous.

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Paul, Middlesbrough says...
7:01pm Mon 7 Jul 08

If you went to the stadium to watch Darlington FC play football, would you staying sitting-down when the home team scored a goal? Of course not. So why be surprised by people wanting to stand-up in order to celebrate Elton John's music? Each song was an absolute corker. Elton and the band volleyed every track straight into the back of the net ... wwwhack! So dance! And while I'm at it - Davey Johnstone was masterful on the guitars, and Nigel Olsson was hilarious playing up to the cameras. Bravo fellas! And bravo Darlo! Yahoo!

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AM, says...
12:23am Tue 8 Jul 08

To Chris, form Ferryhill. I was probably one of the few people trying to dance, not during the whole concert, as you like to put it, but during The **** is Back, that is, a rocker, in a rock concert. We were rudely "asked" to sit down and my friend was pushed by someone sitting behind him...maybe you?

At least I got a second chance to enjoy an Elton John concert in Perth the day after...that crowd sure knew what a rock concert is! Your loss!

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dave preston, darlington says...
12:25pm Tue 8 Jul 08

Never went to the concert as I couldn't afford it but as I live just the other side of the railway line I left my windows open. Wonderful sounds of the crowd singing along with Elton, it was not that loud and didn't overwhelm my TV. I've supported the club all along the way in their fight to use the stadium as a local community rep with the Eastbourne Partnership Board and this concert has shown its a viable proposition.
I've read all the comments and they can only encourage the Council to allow more in the future.
Listen and learn from the comments and lets get Darlington on the Concert Map with big name acts. Well Done to all involved.

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