Elton John - Live in Stuttgart (May 15th, 1984)

Elton John
Live in Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle
Stuttgart, Germany
May 15th, 1984
Audience Recording
Sound Quality: B- / B
Attendance: 13,000

Audio cortesy of ‪@GregsynthWizard‬, credits to him

Following a string of shows across Brussels and parts of Germany, Elton John and his band delivered an electrifying performance at the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart on May 15, 1984. This concert stands out not only for its impeccable musicianship but also for Elton’s remarkable vocal form. Throughout the night, his voice is powerful, focused, and dynamic—his upper register is crystal clear and his falsetto shines with precision, offering one of the most vocally consistent performances of the European Tour.

Behind the scenes, the band was putting the finishing touches on what would become the Breaking Hearts album later that year. By this point, much of the album had already been recorded. As a preview of things to come, this concert marked the live debut (as far) of both “Restless” and “Sad Songs (Say So Much),” replacing “Teacher I Need You” and “Island Girl” in the setlist. It's widely speculated that the show was professionally documented in both video tape and audio, as footage of Elton performing “Restless” appears in the Breaking Hearts documentary—suggesting this concert might reside in the archives.

“Tiny Dancer” opens with clarity and smoothness, free from any vocal strain, and Elton’s voice expands impressively in the climax. “Hercules” follows with a tight, energetic groove, and Dee Murray’s bass lines are especially prominent and engaging in this rendition. “Rocket Man” is arguably the night’s highlight. Elton reaches a clean Bb4 in the first falsetto section—reminiscent of his 1979 performances—and his improvisation during the outro is captivating. “Daniel” is solid and steady, while the live premiere of “Restless” brings energy and excitement. Despite Elton stumbling slightly on the lyrics during the first verse, he recovers quickly and delivers a strong first outing of the song. “Candle in the Wind” displays vocal strength and excellent control, especially in its final flourishes. “The Bitch Is Back” is another highlight—driven by the band’s more aggressive rock approach, Elton matches the energy with powerful vocals.“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” stands out for its vocal finesse; Elton adds unique inflections and dynamic control that elevate the piece. “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” sounds very close to its studio counterpart—understandable given its early live rotation. On “Bennie and the Jets,” Elton injects playful phrasing during the third chorus, while “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” is marked by smooth falsetto passages and polished vocal execution.

“Philadelphia Freedom” bursts with energy, and Elton’s amplified vocal presence adds a bold touch. “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” features a balanced blend of his more refined tone with occasional gritty nuances—a vocal approach characteristic of this tour. "One More Arrow" is sadly cut, but what we have shows Elton's great control and smooth tone, here his falsetto really shines. “Kiss the Bride” is energetic and brilliantly executed. “Too Low for Zero” is another example of precision and strength. “I’m Still Standing” emerges as one of the most forceful renditions of the tour, with Elton pushing his vocal power further than usual, supported by dynamic backing vocals. “Your Song” receives a unique treatment, with phrasing and ornamentation reminiscent of his '70s interpretations, adding emotional richness. “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” delivers raw energy, driven by Davey Johnstone’s assertive guitar work. While Elton shows some signs of vocal fatigue, he maintains intensity throughout. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” features refined falsetto work and a controlled tone, while “Crocodile Rock” is full of playful phrasing and spirited delivery, showing Elton having genuine fun on stage. The concert wraps up with a contemplative and graceful performance of “Song for Guy.”

1. Tiny Dancer - 0:00
2. Hercules - 6:24
3. Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time) - 11:34
4. Daniel - 21:35
5. Restless - 25:33
6. Candle In The Wind - 30:02
7. The Bitch Is Back - 33:54
8. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me - 38:01
9. Sad Songs (Say So Much) - 43:28
10. Bennie And The Jets - 47:18
11. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word - 57:30
12. Philadelphia Freedom - 1:01:14
13. Blue Eyes - 1:05:59
14. I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues - 1:08:54
15. Kiss The Bride - 1:12:22
16. One More Arrow - 1:16:29
17. Too Low For Zero - 1:19:41
18. I'm Still Standing - 1:25:24
19. Your Song - 1:30:03
20. Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting) - 1:33:48
21. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - 1:41:48
22. Crocodile Rock - 1:44:40
23. Song For Guy - 1:48:41