Sir Elton (and the concert we almost missed...)

My love affair with Elton John has been going on for almost as long as I can remember.  I was about 5 years old when Goodbye Yellow Brick Road came out, and my sister and I had the 8 track that we played relentlessly (does anyone else remember those?).  I cried when it broke.

Fast forward to several years ago, Elton was touring with Billy Joel, who I also really like.  I bought the tickets 6 months ahead of time, and anxiously awaited the show.  Unfortunately it was canceled because one of them was sick.  The show was rescheduled right smack in the middle of our ski vacation so we had to sell the tickets back- I was so bummed (I know, first world problems).  The last couple of times we have been to Vegas he has not been there. Would I ever get to see him before he retired??

Finally, this tour, the 40th anniversary tour for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was announced.  I joined his official fan club so that I could get tickets prior to the general public.  I sat with my finger above the keyboard on the day tickets were sold, ready to hit it at 10 am on the nose.  Because I purchased through his fan club I was told the tickets would be at will call the day of the show.  No problem.

I had a dream the night prior to the show where I forgot to pick up the tickets, then kept trying to get over to will call, but was running and running, never reaching it.  Very frustrating.

Concert night finally arrived.  Pete and I planned on parking early, then heading over to San Pedro Square for dinner.  Because I was so freaked out by my dream I insisted on picking up the tickets prior to dinner.  I grabbed them, then we headed over to dinner, yummy mexican food!

After dinner we walked back.  We were almost back to the SAP center when I suddenly paniced.  Did I still have the tickets?  I peeked in my purse and didn't see them.  I opened my wallet and still didn't see them.  Then I started to freak.  Pete and I frantically started tearing through my wallet and purse without any luck.  I started wailing,  "this is just like my dream, the tickets are gone!".  Pete was confused, asking me if I took them out at the restaurant.  I did.  I took them out to look at them (what an idiot).  I was intrigued with them, they were "real tickets" not the usual printed etickets.  I was sure I put them back though, although it was occurring to me I must not have.  I threw my purse at Pete and started running back to the restaurant (in flip flops).

I ran all the way back, against a crazy flow of people, all headed to the SAP center.  I ran into the restaurant, but of course the table had been cleared.  The waiter said he didn't see them.  I asked him to check the trash.  He came back- the trash had just been emptied out back.  I started screaming, let me back there, please let me go check!  A couple of bus boys went out back with me.  They handed me some gloves and we started digging.  Omg.  The trash was disgusting.  I kept pulling out what I thought was a white envelope, but it was tortillas.  We found a credit card.  We found some silver ware and remekins that had been thrown away. I was nearly hysterical.  "The tickets were almost $400!  My husband is going to kill me!"  One of the guys asked who was playing.  "Elton John," I replied.  "Oh, was he one of the Beatles?" he asked.  "NO! HE IS ELTON JOHN!"

Then I looked to the side, and there laying on the ground next to the trash, with food on it, was the envelope.  I grabbed it and squealed.  I looked inside, and there were the 2 tickets.  I thanked the guys and bolted (I really wish I had taken the time to get their names so I could send them a proper thank you).  I ran out the door, all the way back to the SAP Center.  I got to the spot where I had left Pete, but he wasn't there.  I looked around.  Maybe he went over to will call to see if they could be replaced?  I ran over there, but still no Pete.  Because I threw my purse at him when I ran off I did not have my phone with me (why did I do that??)  I looked around frantically.  Finally I saw a SAP employee so asked him if he had a cell phone I could use.  He asked why, so I blabbed out the entire story, ending with finding the tickets in the dumpster.  He gave me a crazy look and handed me his phone.  I called Pete.  He was sitting back at the restaurant, waiting for me.  He didn't see me run out, I didn't see him.  Ugh!!!

Back he came, and we finally got in, just as the opening act was finishing.  We had seats on the floor, row 19. Pete looked at me.  "You are almost forgiven" he said.

I totally smelled like mexican food all night

The view from our seats

Sir Elton was of course amazing.  He started right on time, with my favorite,  Funeral for a Friend/Love, Lies Bleeding.  I had chills listening to him. He played non stop for over 2 1/2 hours.  He was gracious and humble, a true gentleman.  He stated that he enjoyed his playing now more than ever, now that he was happy with his life and finally comfortable in his own skin.  He talked about his love for his husband and his children.  The show was worth every penny and then some.  Come hell or high water, I will get to Las Vegas and see him again before he is done.

As for Pete and I, I am not allowed to hold tickets ever again (obviously).  Pete also told me I wasn't allowed to gripe at him for not being able to find anything in the fridge.  "But I FOUND the tickets!" I said.

I still don't know how the tickets ended up where they did.  I am blaming the enormous margarita I had with dinner.

Thank you Sir Elton for an amazing show.