11/5/2010 Elton John & Leon Russell, US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ


 11 years ago...

November 5, 2010 - Phoenix, AZ 

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame piano players Elton John and Leon Russell joined together for a concert at US Airways Center.
Elton had long idolized Leon but their careers went in markedly different directions. Elton reached heights in music that few others ever had while Leon toured small clubs and honky tonks without a record deal trying to make a living (like the show referenced in the 9/29 entry at TSTT).
Elton reached out to Leon and pitched a collaboration album, later released as "The Union," and a subsequent 30-date concert tour and appearance on Saturday Night Live. Elton tells the story here:
The Phoenix show opened with a short set from Leon, followed by a set from Elton and his band. The two then joined together to play many of the songs from the album before Elton and his band returned for a finally set of classic hits. Both the show and the album, ranked #3 of the year by Rolling Stone, were terrific.
Here's a link to the setlist:

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/elton-john-and-leon-russell/2010/us-airways-center-phoenix-az-13d55de9.html

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