HE'S still standing after all these years and Sir Elton John's army of fans has no intention of letting the sun go down on pop's most productive career.

From youngsters barely aware of the words to his last hit single, I Want Love, to fans whose memories of Reg Dwight are Rocket Man-fuelled, at least 9,500 packed the green seats of Newcastle's Telewest Arena.

Wearing undertaker black, with just a splash of gold on the lapels, his attire suited the operatic overtones of opening number Funeral For A Friend (Love Lies Bleeding).

Every eye, every cry was directed at the flamboyant showman in red-tinted spectacles, as he earned a standing ovation following an extravagant promenade around the stage.

The piano keys were bashed for Benny "you'll know this one" and the Jets. The gap-toothed grimace turned to a wistful smile as he slowed the pace for the ballad Daniel. President Ronald Reagan earned the raw edge of John's tongue for ignoring Aids sufferers before he sang the campaigning The Boy In The Red Shoes, a song dedicated to a nightmare period in US history.

The lecture over, the Rocket Man returned to lift spirits back into orbit. What a star. From Philadelphia Freedom to the newer Original Sin, every one could be called Your Song.