Rocket Man lands in Falkirk as Elton John comes to town

LESS than a week ago, he was dazzling the country as a star act at Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace.

Last night, in contrast, the Rocket Man was due to come back down to earth with a concert at Falkirk Stadium.

Sir Elton John was set to swap the Queen for Falkirk as he played in front of about 15,000 fans in the football stadium – the only Scottish venue on his 2012 UK tour.

His is the first-ever concert hosted by the Falkirk Stadium, and the team responsible is over the moon that its first foray into musical events has landed such a huge name.

Sir Elton said in recent years he had tried to include new venues, “visiting towns and even countries where I’ve never played before”.

“There is a great buzz when the news is announced, and the band and I have certainly found that these audiences really appreciate us coming to their home town,” he said.

His first Scottish gigs were 40 years ago, when he played Stirling University, Strathclyde University and Dunfermline Kinema.

“I’ve never played Falkirk until now and it’s high time I did,” he said ahead of his performance. “I’m really looking forward to playing at the stadium. And I hope Falkirk FC soon makes it back into the Scottish Premier League.”

He was due to perform more than two hours of hits last night, including the classics Crocodile Rock and Your Song, both of which he last week sang for the Queen.

Yesterday the town was buzzing with anticipation.

Andy Thomson, Falkirk FC director, said everyone at the club was looking forward to the event. “All the staff and volunteers have worked very hard to ensure the concert runs smoothly and is a huge success,” he said.

“Thanks also to all the support organisations, including Falkirk Council and the emergency services, who have helped with the enormous logistical operation.”

Councillor Adrian Mahoney, leisure convener at Falkirk Council, said: “This is the first major singing star to appear at the stadium. I hope the gig goes well and I hope many more celebrities will choose to appear at this fantastic venue.”

Jerry Foster, general manager of the luxury Airth Castle Hotel and Spa near Falkirk, said they have had very high demand due to Sir Elton’s visit.

“Having such an illustrious star like Elton John performing in our area has been fantastic for business,” he said.

Betty Ward, from Ashbank Guest House in Redding, said: “The concert has certainly brought business to us, so I think it is great for Falkirk, especially as it’s Elton John’s only gig of the tour that will be taking place in Scotland.”

The football club, which organised the event as part of its community outreach programme, is hoping this will be the first of many similar events, as well as being a welcome fundraiser. Tickets were priced from £40 to £75.

Scot Tallia Storm was due to open the concert last night. The 13-year-old met Sir Elton’s partner David Furnish while she was on holiday abroad at Christmas and asked him to pass on a letter and a CD of her music.

The following day, Sir Elton contacted her and told her that he loved her songs. This led to her being invited to join him in Falkirk.

The schoolgirl, from Killearn in Stirling, said: “I really didn’t know what to say at first, but he was so excited about my music and said he thought my signature was incredible. He was just so nice, warm and totally down to earth.”