GregsynthWizard's video: 9 Kiss The Bride Elton John - Live In Pittsburgh: 10 18 1984

Ever since I started going on the 1984 concert upload binge, I have been getting many comments on the uploads talking about the performances. There are three specific subscribers that are not only loving the uploads from the 1984 tour, but they make me upload more of them so their “overdrive urges” are satisfied for at least a few minutes! I’m talking about “ncf1,” “DanielLikesAlbum,” and “Ethan Thompson - Murray.” These three fine gentleman are the main reason why I’ve been uploading Elton shows at a rate that makes people suspect that I’m on a whole bunch of Colombian coffee! Be sure to give them thanks for making me work overtime! Anyway, this Breaking Hearts Tour show is from Pittsburgh and it’s an interesting one to say the least! This is an upgraded copy without channel issues and it is slightly more listenable compared to a very poor copy that I once had. Despite being an improvement in general, the general recording quality is pretty rough and it’s quite incomplete (the recording starts partway through “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”). About a week prior to this show, Elton was stricken with a bad case of the flu and had to postpone shows in Charlotte, Tampa, and Miami (which would be made up in November). This had a noticeable effect on Elton’s voice and energy levels for the late October shows as he would often sound weaker with his singing not having its usual punch to it. This recording from Pittsburgh definitely highlights that issue (despite the quality being pretty bad). While his range is still intact, Elton’s voice sounds raspier than normal and he doesn’t have full control over his high range. He also has a bit of a weary tone to his voice (due to the illness) which would become even more prominent by the New York dates later on in the month. Despite these issues, Elton still stays on stage and does his best! The rest of the band sound pretty solid on this show and seem to step it up in places (probably to make up for Elton’s flu-stricken state). Now, time to discuss the performances! “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” sounds very rough vocally from Elton as he sounds raspy and the high notes sound really harsh. “Who Wears These Shoes” sounds pretty ragged vocally in spots as Elton overdrives and rasps his voice. “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” has forced singing, excessive growl, and some unstable intonation from Elton. The musicianship makes up for it as Nigel seems to put extra effort into his drumming. “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” has Elton keeping his voice stable, but some of the intonation isn’t clean. “Bennie And The Jets” has Elton going for all of the falsetto notes in the final chorus (although a few of them are overshot) and he also does hilarious baritone phrasing on the final “mohair suit.” “Philadelphia Freedom” has some ragged notes in spots and some bad intonation, but Elton still bravely goes for everything. Despite the poor quality of the recording, Dee’s bass playing is absolutely fantastic on this version and more than makes up for Elton’s weakened vocals. “Blue Eyes” is a pretty good version from everybody involved. Concluding this section, “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” doesn’t have Elton’s best vocal delivery (rough notes and really sounding harsh), but the band sound really nice on this version. “Kiss The Bride” has Elton grinding his voice and singing odd phrasing variations. “One More Arrow” is a very mixed bag as some parts have great tone and smooth singing from Elton. In contrast, other parts sound pretty chopped up and there are some awkward bits in the last verse. “I’m Still Standing” has some rough vocals, but Davey’s guitar playing and the general level of musicianship help elevate the performance. “Your Song” is a surprisingly strong performance from Elton as he doesn’t sound too rough. “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” has Elton overdriving his voice, but effectively sings the song and the musicianship (especially Dee’s bass playing) is fantastic. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” doesn’t have the cleanest vocal delivery from Elton, but he does try. Lastly, “Crocodile Rock” has Elton making up lyrics and doing random drop phrasing into baritone territory. ENJOY!!!