Low cloud defied the promoters but Elton John filled the sky with songs from his 40-year career. With the two-and-a-half hour set beginning with his first major solo success Your Song, John and his Yamaha grand piano explored songs from his earliest albums through to his latest contribution for the musical Billy Elliot with Electricity. In between were pop classics _ Rocket Man, Blue Eyes, Crocodile Rock, Sacrifice, Candle in the Wind, Benny and the Jets and more.

Between songs, Elton John would provide a brief introduction or stand and soak up the generous applause. By the end of the show, audience members were dancing and some had cried during the epic performance. In the first of two appearances at the former Chirnside manor, the lord of pop and rock laid bare his catalogue. Using electronics and vocal delays sparingly, it was simply a man at the piano playing hit after hit. For John it was a personal connection to his rabid and loyal following.

His inclusion of Ticking Away, a song written by Bernie Taupin 30 years ago after a mass shooting, echoed poignantly events in the US two weeks ago. Aged 60, Elton John was in a captivating mood, slamming the piano lid for effect at times and singing with raw emotion. Subtly dressed by previous standards in a black coat adorned with skull and flowers, violet sunglasses encrusted in jewelled EJ initials and glittering boots, Elton John was the maestro, the song man, the honky cat all in one.