Philadelphia Freedom

[rffolchi]

I would love to see the entire concert. This is my favorite EJ song and this version absolutely kicks ass!

[TiramisuHappy]

You see that ONE MAN in the audience giving a standing ovation at the end? I'm TOTALLY with the dude!!!! :D

[coach6250]

Is that the great Denny Seiwell on drums?

[LllDawnlll]

I love you Elton, yes I do!

[sambohorns]

when i'm down i always listen to this song , it brings back great memories of my father.....I love this song ! I love you dad .....rip

[Bayer1805]

dieses Lied ist zeitlos schön!

[Andrewawesome123]

i hate how people cant look past his sexuality, and just enjoy the music

[saketorasan]

ELTON JOHN／Philadelphia Freedom

ソウルフル‼エルトン流、モータウンサウンド。フルオーケストラ­付き、贅沢な曲。

[mizofan]

Elton's new album The Union, with Leon Russell is the best since the mid 70s.

[Chicfan1]

The greatest Elton John song EVER! In 35 years, I've never tired of it. He's a true icon!!!

[rejondo]

maybe its the elo thing

[rejondo]

love this song

[EltonJohnLyrics]

follow EltonJohnLyrics on twitter!!!

[bestcuz3]

ELTON TRULY IS AN ICON. I CAME OUT TO HIS MUSIC AND JUST WANT TO SAY THAT SO MANY OTHERS HAVE AND HE IS AN INSPIRATION TO ALL OF US. ELTON FOR PREZ

[nareas777]

GOOD

[rprince418]

Elton John makes great music.

[thesixsixman]

Musical Genious, I had a chance to see him LIVE, and the BEST concert I have EVER been too. People of all races and ethnicities, ages 8 to 108 rocking out.

[hardhittin38]

this is an amazing song!

[eric777100763]

its ok, not as good as the record. Elton John sings great. Why is so messed up with that OTHER stuff?? LOL!!

[Leeward666]

Fantastic performance.

Amazing to think that James Newton Howard (the conductor in this video) joined the Elton John Band in 1975 as a session musician and now he's one of the most prolific and sought after film composers in Hollywood - and a brilliant one at that.

[dinobaldi]

What is the song Elton played before "Philadelphia Freedom"?

It's so beautiful... even it's only the ending.

[sbcruiser2]

"Tonight"

[richiebear1969]

I wish I was a violinist at that performance, even though I don't even know how to play one.

[LaWoman071]

Wow, and I'm not often speechless... : )

[ntc86]

i love him i seen some amazing videos of him at shyvids. com

[crazynewsboysfan]

i like this song! His voice doesnt sound that bad as a tenor..

[blulicious2]

Any elton song/video should be required viewing for all of these new artists of today. You don't hear or see any auto tunes up here. Elton, Nigel, and the rest of his band are true musicians.

[eastcoastsurfer63]

this is real music. guy can still bring an old song back from generations ago and would still get more people to like it than this new crap thats on the radio they call music.

[3364charles]

@eastcoastsurfer63 that's so true thank you for saying that

[Trycruces]

I'm not a huge Elton John 'fan' but the man is one of the most talented musicians in history and he has lasted generations.  He can put on a show!

[lightsout729]

awesome song go Elton John

[NikJean]

I love that song! I love Elton John! He's great! And I don't think he lost his voice, I think he, in fact, improved with the years. Okay, he doesn't have the high pitch voice anymore, but his voice is so powerful now.

[Edhallick]

He`s a cool guy but he lost two of the things that made him great; His voice and his talent for writing great melodies. He`s like Paul McCartney, regulated to playing the old stuff because he can`t come up with anything new and good.

[Jsonic98]

times have changed, the younger generation, (besides me and a few others) would appricate true music. not this rap, and fake studio work that bands or solo artists do today. elton is still great. sure his voice is barritone now, but hes still trying his best. and i think he sounds better than ever

[WholePieofFury]

not a barritone, tenor

[777BigBro]

Great Song

[joewbrock]

Is that Shawn Michaels (the wrestler) playing bass? LOL, and it does look like Clay Aiken on the tambourine. Seriously though, this is amazing. I just watch it on a loop over and over, I never get tired of watching this version of this song.

[hellblazer116]

oh wow i lol'd hard i first started watching this and i thought you ment that blond guy with sun glasses who looks like dean snyder (guitarist) than i saw the guy that looked like HBK haha that made my day thats one hell of a band to have clay aiken dean snyder and HBK on bass HAHAHAHA

[wilmil7545]

This isn't exactly the "Sweet Chin Music" that HBK is used to playing...but it'll do in a pinch.  =D

[daewoomofo]

I don't care who you are, you have to admit Elton John is freaking cool!

[Malayflyer]

I was there, what a fantastic night - he was on top form and the orchestra was amazing... I will never forget this night!

[SirDivster]

Unions in Philly play it downtown(Center City)at their rallies.

[richiebear1969]

I'm not from Philadelphia but would think this would make a cool city anthem.

[michael3493]

This is pretty incredible and simply awesome!

The Orchestra was right on...

A good bunch of young musicians.

Thanks for sharing!

[falki900]

i saw him at darlington last year

[tachoX2]

Very cool...

[soulpatrol5]

I saw him and billy joel in cincinnati in march and it was amazing!!! Im seeing them again in july in columbus! Elton is a genius.

[Mill235]

Oh lucky you! I´ve never seen one of them but I´d love to :)

[wibcam61]

Why did they absolutely cover up one of the best parts of the song, the bassline? I hate it when they do crap like that live.

[notalkame]

the bass is in there... it's just not as prominent as the studio version. the best part is the backing vocals.. that's a guy hitting those squealing high notes.

[zkessler53]

Seeing Billy Joel and Elton At Citizens Bank Park

[pinkfloydfannn]

Billy Joel and Elton John, July 30th and August 1st live at Citenzins Bank Park in Philadelphia

[Jsonic98]

damn fucking right ill be there

[ibeecranky]

Going to See him tonite in Colo Sprgs...just can't wait!

[waitress2004]

So am I.....I can't wait either :)

[sray08]

omg u r ssssssoooooooo lucky!!!!

[ibeecranky]

An unbelievable talented performer...i had to put my shades on for a while.

rich

[Soupy2323]

Jon Howard- Elton John make an awesome team! :-)

GREAT STUFF!

[eatmypies]

brilliant but did the stiffs in the audiance get up andthrow pop corn at each other

[pam101dalmatians]

that must have been awesome...good for you.....heehee i played 1st violin in 6th grade.....

[pam101dalmatians]

now i'm not sure which i like better..this 1 or the live in ephesus 1

[DancingSpiderman]

Lotsa cuties playin them strigy teegar things...

Don't HATE -- I'm jus SAYIN

[RyoWidnes]

Awesome!

[ojososo]

wow. killer. strings, french horns and that fabulous kenny passarelli bass line.

[msjmobley]

Did I see Clay Aiken with the tamberine?

[pippyspot]

1:01 ~ 1:17 love it

[Diehardphillyfan418]

Phillies!!!!!!!!!!! Phinally!!!! #1 World fucking chsmpions

[redbluffhill1]

and i forgot to mention that dude on the gi'tar was strummin his ass off..lol

[IvanCLee]

Is he Elton's long time guitarman Davey Johnston?

[redbluffhill1]

hahhahaaaa! elton definitely got it in on this one ...fuck that opera shit now motherfucker, im gettin it innnnnnnnnnnnn! hahahahhaha lol

[stussy572]

go Philadelphia

[latsonalirmax]

Travelers !

Shine on me, shine a light on me.

[Medic83301]

YA PHILLIES ! "World Champions , World fucking Champions" ! Chase Utley

[useminemc58]

Hell yeah! lol phillies all day

[pianoplayer4lifeaaaa]

It's not Blue Eyes, it's Tonight.

[Kendygurl]

do you know where i can get the sheet music for this song. my bf loves it

[thesaxman13]

o ok thanks for clarifying

[RM5WU]

the beginning sounds beautiful

[thesaxman13]

it does but its the end of the song before this one.

[thesaxman13]

i believe it is called blue eyes

[roebrenda]

AMO

[soulpatrol5]

GO EJ!!! LOVE HIM! yeah, you can get this concert (Royal Opera House) along with One Night Only (MSG),Ephesus(which is amazing) and Elton in four decades in the Dream Ticket DVD Collection. I have it and loooove it!

[KiaKing]

Yay America!

[alittman]

dude he still rocks it out. great song great video. gives me chills

[bphutchins]

wow his voice really went to shit

[princev11]

no it didnt

and besides he was 28 wen he wrote this song

he still performs it at 61

hes great and i like his voice now =]

[ralphyization]

@princev11 He played in Sault Ste. Marie Ont. Canada to a venue with only about 4800 seating. New arena, but still, OMG!! It's out biggest arena, and we were THRILLED!! I'm sure it must have been a money losing venture for him. Yet, he played for almost 3 solid hours!!! THE BOMB!! Who does that??? Not our "normal" bands! , let alone a legend!

[daisy137]

no he had a surgery to remove polyps on his vocal cords otherwise he never would have sung again but the surgery made his voice to a lower octave

[eekabostatic]

His voice is huskier on this version, but it sounds good, and it's great fun to see the shock of pleasure this massive collection of students pulling it all together so well is giving him.

[cma1]

Great Music. Thanks for posting it dennyisaacs.

[strebis6]

His music brings a lot of happiness to people.

Rock-n- Roll Elton, Keep it up! lol

[lowprofile018]

Is this concert available on DVD? Thanks for posting....one of my favorites!

[riley501111]

Elton John is the ultimate magician on the piano! Years and years and years ago (I'm old) he played at my college, and I missed the concert! A few days later while I was playing a beautiful concert grand in the student center (and my expression may have been showing my delight in being able to play this beautiful instrument), a security guy from the student center stepped over to me and informed me Elton had played that same piano while performing at our school. Really made my day.

[stevend27]

and you're an asshole

[ucleden]

and so are you

[ucleden]

and so are you

[pevargas]

Who cares if he eats tube-steak instead of tuna.....you should be glad you have the priviledge of listening to his music; we don't care about what you do in the bedroom, why should we care about him?

[toastyalbus]

So eloquent!

[west176]

Of all of Elton John's songs, this is the one that lends itself perfectly to a full, large orchestra. Much better than the sound of the original recording. And you can tell he's digging it too.

[diadelsuerte]

haha its really easy to tell how much hes approving of the orchestra's performance during the song

examples

2:06 - realizes that they can actually carry the tune/pace and is impressed

2:54 - is not pleased with the weak piccolo/flute solo or the french horns

4:06 - again impressed by the representation of the chorus.

[BOOGEEBUZ]

I really like the big, lush sound of this arrangement.

[BOOGEEBUZ]

I really like the big, lush sound of this arrangement.

[mike2327]

Elton is truly a great pianist and musician.

[alfredtowers]

Espectacular, yo tuve la experiencia de escucharlo en la ciudad de México, en el estadio Azteca.

[LordHion]

Love this.

[kaz2534]

ej definitely doesnt have what he used to have, but i still enjoy his music.

[VrgniaMailman]

This version is gimmicked up. I think it is far inferior to the one by AndersonCounsel from the Soul Train show. This almost sounds like jazz, rather than the other version, which ROCKS!! But it is still wonderful to hear this epic song, no matter which version.

[Kakarot21591]

Does anyone know the name of the song that they play right before Philadelphia Freedom? It sounds like a classical opera tune or something...

[schlo5398]

the song before Philadelphia Freedom is Tonight.

[Kakarot21591]

Sorry, schlo5398, but who's it by?

[schlo5398]

That's o.k. It's by Elton and Bernie.

[AinesFlynn]

The song before Philadelphia Freedom is called "Tonight" and it from the Elton John album "Blue Moves"

[mopeded]

simply amazing, i love elton!

[genedandy]

The song was writen by Elton John to honor tennis star Billie Jean King, who played for the Philadelphia Freedom, a team in the indoor tennis league back in the 70's. That is your history lesson for the day!

[KickinLilRedhead]

This is just SPECTACULAR. All of my life, I have been a HUGE Elton fan. I love him and his music so much-- and this just BLOWS ME AWAY! Thank you for posting this. If there are more, I would LOVE to see them.

[albermarle52]

Great song but all the live performances of this have the wrong balance of instruments. Only the original recording sounds right.

[west176]

Ths concert was to showcase Elton with the Royal Acedmey of Music, not reproduce his original songs.

[robtref]

just amazing. omg, every time he just starts singing, it just bring up everything, he is the most talented man i have ever seen in my life.

[NotLikeThat7]

LOVE this song........ LOVE HIM!!!!! :) <3

[benkern123]

Reginald Dwight AKA Elton John man I love him

[DayTripper365]

This song is awsome!!!!! i love it....... And all the song Elton John makes!!

[IAMAJAMMA]

that's what a real orchestra can do......better than machines anyday

[Kakarot21591]

Oh, so true!

[NotLikeThat7]

Yea lol!! he is friggin amazing!!! I have some of his cds!

[oldsusannah]

This is the best performance of this song I've ever seen.

[soulpatrol5]

GO ELTON!!!..LONG LIVE EJ!..i love him..what a true artist!rock on!

[jameskerry41]

incredible..

[gmadd31]

what song is he finishing up before he starts philadelphia freedom? o and by the way, he's awesome!

[redceder15]

Funeral for a Friend???

[AlUd2]

It's called Tonight.

[gmadd31]

thanks, ppreciate it

[Arkady63]

I've 3 things to say. 1-This rules. 2-Every American must be flattered that a song like this was even written (and performed like this). 3-This rules.

[ZackHighstreet]

I agree - it's a high compliment.

[west176]

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE post more songs from this concert. Elton Jahn backed by a full orchestra is a rare event.

[wmcguire]

And Elton gives my birthplace the greatest musical tribute it could have asked for.

[rockinraffi]

You know, a few years ago I became an American citizen, in a very emotional moment for me. After the ceremony, I got in the car to go back home, still feeling very touched and honoured by the event. I started the engine, and guess what song was playing on the radio? True story, so this song has a very special meaning for me....

[ZackHighstreet]

welcome to the United states... thanks for sharing.

[dmagogo]

Easily his top 3 best hits!

[maxb162]

The conductor is James Newton Howard.

[GeorgeVreelandHill]

This is a beautiful classic.

One of the best songs ever.

I love it.

George Vreeland Hill

[phillace]

can a live performance get any better than this,thanks for posting.

[jbdjbf]

i saw elton with the philharmonic orchestra in 2005 and this was my favourite track of that night! he promised to release an album of these concerts but hasn't yet!!

[candbnathan]

This almost identical to the original recording and thats hard to do without studio.

[BennyLucas]

wonderful

[snoopygirl68]

ELTON RULES!!!

[whough60]

I'm from Philadelphia Pa. U.S.A. What more can I say ... He's Great

[dennyisaacs]

You are correct. This is one of the best fat sounding orchestra I ever heard coupled with Elton John's electric performance. Elton is one of my heros in the music world, especailly with his spectacular style. His melodious songs will take us to another world.

[icbr]

MAGNIFICENT!

[chelseaboy2005]

this song is up there with the best of them and this performance of it is fantastic!!!! the orchestra gives it a whole new dimension! Rock on Elton and the Band!