Let's get straight to the point - you'd have to be a person with absolutely no appreciation of the significance of the popular song to deny that Elton John and Billy Joel have been responsible for some of the most enduring pop hits of the past 25 years. Separately, they have track records the length of the proverbial arm, and although they might have long since relinquished any hope whatsoever of being fashionable, their respective hit singles remain a staple diet of the classic hits radio format.
Segmenting their sets into neatly-packaged greatest hits, John and Joel have hit on a concert formula which, arguably, might be said to be contrived. If it wasn't for the fact that the majority of the songs work, it would be a shameless exploitation of their fan base. As it stands, any suggestion of contrivance is rendered null and void by the sheer enjoyability of it all. And just in case you were wondering how Elton (and his fans) would manage to get over his steadfast rule of never singing Candle In The Wind again . . . Well, let's just say that Billy Joel didn't make too bad a fist of it.
Like a cliched catchphrase from a formulaic radio playlist, the hits just kept on coming. Any of their Top 20 songs you might care to mention was played, with the weight of truly great ballads tipping the scales towards Elton John's corner.
Of the two, Elton seemed the more chipper, more at ease with the crowd, befitting the accolade bestowed upon him of The People's Minstrel. By comparison, Billy Joel seemed virtually withdrawn, hardly overawed by the crowd, but reserved nevertheless. Their respective bands played a part in the proceedings, too. Joel's was definitively American: funky, soulful, somewhat like a muted E Street Band. John's was quite anachronistic, living proof that the ill winds of punk rock never blew through their perms.
Joining together for the extended encore session, the piano men (you knew that was coming, right?) worked the crowd like the old pros they are, the strains of Great Balls Of Fire and other assorted standards ringing out as the contented thousands strolled out of the venue.
So, no pyrotechnics, no conceits, and a discernible lack of horn-locking egos. Just two semi-regular, very rich guys having a great ball of fun. Oh, and an arena full of people, too.
Elton John and Billy Joel play Croke Park again tonight.
