Seeing Elton John was not on my bucket list…until now. And now, I can cross it off. Thanks to a generous brother-n-law, I was given a ticket to see Sir Elton at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.  Yes, Elton John in Fayetteville. Walmart has a yearly “stockholders meeting” and are notorious for bringing in big names, and this year was no exception.  Not open to the public, I felt very privileged to have this opportunity to see a show that was only offered to Walmart associates/stockholders, and even to them there was a limit as the “free” show was no doubt “sold out.”  

His voice wasn’t what it was 20 years ago, but UNLIKE Axl Rose, he didn’t try to hit the high notes he knew he couldn’t, but rather he adjusted, and in some cases, made the familiar songs even better!  The accompanying band and back up singers too were legends of their own rite as one was an original member of Sly and the Family Stone.  Together singing with Sir Elton, made life better. Yes, it was that good. The crowd stood the majority of the hour and forty five minute set and Sir Elton did not disappoint. Playing all of his “greatest hits,” brought the crowd just a little closer to him and they could literally go home and say, “I sang with Elton John.”  Well, that’s what I said anyway.  

He was very appreciative of Walmart and commended them on their “family” appearance. There were people there literally from all over the world, clapping, cheering and even chanting, all getting their Elton on. I don’t work for Walmart, but I saw that working there surely can’t be so bad…even at Christmas time with the crazy crowds. After all, what’s a little scuff between customers over a 55″ Vizio when you know that next year, someone else will be brought in to make you smile!

-Rham Cunningham, Writer/Creator of Things to Do