SIR ELTON JOHN produced two relentless, rocketing performances, with maximum musicianship and minimum showmanship in the region over the weekend.

Crowds at the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury and Charlton's stadium The Valley enjoyed a great selection of timeless favourites, as well as easy-to-love material from his latest album, all enhanced by spellbinding piano solos.

At the St Lawrence Ground on Saturday, Rocket Man might have felt even better in a later, darker slot, after the scorching sunlight had faded, but even the turgid I Want Love carried real power, and Saturday Night raised the temperature in the ground as the night cooled, so that eventually conservative Canterbury got to its feet.

Just as there was something for everyone, there was probably something missing for everyone – no Candle in the Wind, for instance – and the great man kept his communication brief and businesslike, saving his voice for the singing and his energy for the keyboard.

Your Song was saved for the single encore, dedicated to his most loyal fans, who had been rewarded with a performance which matched an unforgettable occasion.

Sunday's extravagant concert at The Valley before a crown in excess of 21,500 was the climax to months of complex planning.

It was the first concert to take place at the stadium for 30 years.

The logistics of bringing such a huge star to perform at the stadium were immense, with 37 roadies and an additional 60 crew members drafted in to assemble the stage, seating, lighting and sound.

The Rocketman played more than two hours of his classic hits and had fans dancing on the pitch despite brief bursts of rain.

Full reviews in this week's Kentish Gazette and Bexley Extra.