Elton John performs in Israel, tells fans ‘this one’s for you’

With the pomp-and-circumstance opening of “Funeral for a Friend” filling the arena, Elton John stepped out behind the wings like a sequined-clad queen arriving to greet his loyal subjects at Ramat Gan stadium June 17.

As routine as a superstar coming to Israel should have been — and there have been quite a few, from Paul McCartney and Madonna to Metallica and Leonard Cohen — everyone was aware that something more was hanging on this performance.

Simply put, Elton John hadn’t canceled.

Elton John performs at Ramat Gan stadium on June 17 before 45,000 fans. photo/ap/ariel schalit

“Shalom, we are so happy to be back here! Ain’t nothing gonna stop us from coming, baby,” spouted John with a pumped fist in the air. “Musicians spread love and peace, and bring people together. That’s what we do. We don’t cherry-pick our conscience.”

The crowd of 45,000 exploded, and after that John turned into a human jukebox for over two hours, generously delving into his catalog of classic pop and rock songs.

Even though they’ve played these songs thousands of times, the band and its leader still seemed to invest some emotional spirit in the material.

John closed the show with a heartfelt “Your Song,” emphasizing the lines, “My gift is my song and this one’s for you,” while smiling out at the fans. He seemed to realize how much this show meant to them. And he was right.