On September 13, 1980, Elton John performed in front of approximately 400,000 people in Central Park. The sun was out, people were gathered (within six feet of each other) and Sir Elton was wearing a Donald Duck suit.
It may seem surreal now to imagine 400,000 people in one place, at the same time, dancing and having fun. With Nigel Olsen on drums and Dee Murray on bass, the original Elton John Band created a legendary experience.
The concert was part of Elton John’s 1980 world tour, supporting his latest album 21 to 33. He played the top hits “Bennie and the Jets”, “Your Song” and, of course, “Tiny Dancer”, and added new ones like “Little Jeannie” and “Sartorial Eloquence”.
Imagine all the people. Elton John paid tribute to his longtime friend John Lennon by performing a cover of Lennon’s classic song, “Imagine.” A few months later, Lennon would be assassinated by Mark David Chapman. Sir Elton said it made it too painful to repeat the song.
Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, started playing the piano at a very young age, so it’s no surprise that he has many accolades under his belt. With two Oscars and four Grammys, John has always had a reputation as a musical genius. The latest homage to the icon is the acclaimed film “Rocketman,” starring Taylor Edgerton as Elton John throughout his career; the film will also earn Elton John and his writing partner Bernie Taupin an Oscar for Best Original Song with “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again”.
Seeing Elton John, the Donald Duck costume and all, singing “Your Song” will never be forgotten as part of one of the most legendary Central Park concert experiences of all time.