Looking back to 2012 when Elton John came to Taunton

He came, it rained, he conquered – Sir Elton John’s return to Taunton’s County Ground after six years was as entertaining as it was wet.

Tension in the heavens and on the streets was almost palpable in the build-up to the gig as a tide of fans converged on the County Ground, scene of Elton’s triumphant 2006 concert.

With bags packed full of sun cream and waterproofs, the crowds shuffled uneasily down the closed roads like middle class zombies, casting their eyes fearfully towards a threatening, dark grey sky above.

By contrast, inside the ground, the towering stage was an awesome sight and the atmosphere buzzed in anticipation.

Subtly, the cellists were joined on stage by more band members until the opening bars of Saturday Night’s All Right for Fighting were heard - the rain was pouring down at this point.

As the crowd clocked Elton’s tune, excitement built and suddenly, out of the downpour, the music legend was there, sloping onto stage in trademark red glasses and a black and red sequined outfit.

Cue the first battles between thousands of pairs of hips – instinctively getting their owners up on their feet for a boogie – and the stewards’ sit-down-or-you’ll spoil-the-view policy and, for the time being, most bums were returned to wet seats.

‘Good evening, Taunton – welcome to summer’, said Elton …

After a lower key period and some lesser-known tracks, the set list returned to familiar territory and Elton introduced Candle in the Wind saying ‘Here’s one I won’t be playing at the Jubilee concert tomorrow’.

The hint of controversy was a treat and the drenched audience warmed to Elton and his ageing but hyper-talented band. Many were also enjoying the spectacle of their pint glasses steadily refilling themselves in the rain.

The 1970s superstar seemed genuinely touched by the high spirits, despite the weather, and took time out to thank the more energetic sections of the audience.

As the evening wore on and the hits kept coming, the stewards gave up asking people to sit down and it was time to party.

After a breathtaking two-hour plus set, Elton was introducing his band ready to close the show and, although the encore was brief, it was Your Song and it made the evening complete for many.