Elton John Wembley Stadium Summer of 84 concert
This was the second time Elton had headlined at Wembley Stadium, fronting a line-up which also featured Big Country, Kool and The Gang, Wang Chung and Nik Kershaw. Big Country stepped in at the last minute as replacement for Paul Young who was unwell. I went with my mate Dave, we were both fans of Big Country at the time and we were pleased to see that they were added to the bill. The rest of the acts were ok, standout memories for me are Nik Kershaw and Wouldn’t It Be Nice (the superlative song The Riddle was to follow later that year), Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung, and Kool and the Gang’s set which was also a highlight. 
Elton was on top form that day, and the concert was a big success for him; particularly considering his less than successful previous appearance at Wembley Stadium 9 years before. I have two programmes from that day, one was produced for the concert itself, the other is Elton John’s own tour programme for the European tour, of which this concert was part. I was back at Wembley Stadium the following year for Live Aid, and Elton was again on the bill. 
Elton John setlist that day: Tiny Dancer; Hercules; Rocket Man; Daniel; Restless; Candle in the Wind; The Bitch Is Back; Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me; Sad Songs (Say So Much); Bennie and the Jets; Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word; Philadelphia Freedom; Blue Eyes; I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues; Kiss the Bride; One More Arrow; Too Low for Zero; I’m Still Standing; Your Song; Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting; Goodbye Yellow Brick Road; Crocodile Rock; Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On / I Saw Her Standing There / Twist and Shout.
28 Jun
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by adithyaentertainment on June 28, 2013 at 5:31 am
Reblogged this on Adithya Entertainment.
Posted by Kate on May 6, 2016 at 4:41 am
Have wonderful memories of this beautiful day. Elton was incredible!
Posted by Dominic Lonsdale on September 12, 2016 at 11:38 am
Wang Chung did an absolutely awesome version of don’t let go and I am a Pink Floyd fan! Went to see Elton mainly but it was a great concert!
Posted by Alexa Lucas on September 6, 2018 at 6:51 am
Was there too (14) and in my fake denim ra ra skirt, tea bag t shirt and double wrap around belt. I think KC and the sunshine band were there too.
Posted by Kim Findlay on June 22, 2019 at 7:58 am
I was there too (aged 19) with my best friend. It was such a great day, full of excitement and adrenalin. We stood up and sang along with all the songs. I particularly loved Elton’s performance. Kool and the Gang were fab too. At first I was gutted when I heard that Paul Young couldn’t perform, but Big Country did a good job as his replacement and it certainly didn’t spoil the event for me. Saw Paul live much later on, at an 80’s concert in Norfolk. Brought back wonderful memories of my youth.
Posted by Greg Parker on August 3, 2019 at 9:22 am
Lovely sunny day and the unexpected Big Country set was the icing on the cake for me.
Posted by Joe White on April 10, 2020 at 4:02 pm
I was 17 and was a ‘marshal’ up in the roof section. We had to chase away the people who had climbed the scaffolding on the outside!
I remember it being Capital Radio “sunsplash” but I can’t find any other reference.
I must say though, Elton literally rocked Wembley! Fantastic!
Posted by Shay on June 27, 2020 at 9:12 am
Thank you so much for posting this – I was there too, and trying to remember the bands. I was there mainly for Elton, and spent most of Kool and the Gang’s set in the queue for the ladies. I could tell they were brilliant though. I remember Big Country standing in for Paul Young – I knew their single and enjoyed hearing it.
Posted by vintagerock on June 27, 2020 at 11:34 am
Hi Shay
Pleased you enjoyed reading it. Happy days cheers Peter
Posted by Jo on May 9, 2021 at 12:18 pm
Ahhh fond memories… nik kershaw singing “ I won’t let the sun go down on me”… as the sun started to go down… and Elton on top of the piano playing it upside down 😁
Posted by vintagerock on May 9, 2021 at 1:50 pm
Hi Jo Happy days indeed. Cheers Peter
Posted by Paul on June 17, 2021 at 3:58 pm
Traveled from RAF Odiham what a fantastic day Elton was special and Nick Kershaw brilliant promised myself to come back the following year which turned into Live Aid enough said
Posted by vintagerock on June 17, 2021 at 8:10 pm
Hi Paul many thanks. As you say Elton was great that day. Happy days. Cheers Peter
Posted by Gordon Guy on June 30, 2021 at 10:46 am
Thanks for posting this…always wondered whether my memories of the day were through “rose tinted glasses” but the comment about Nik Kershaw really supports how I thought about the day. Elton of course was immense but the “support acts” each brought something to the party, a great day, a great concert and treasured memories.
Posted by vintagerock on June 30, 2021 at 11:24 am
Thanks for your memories Gordon. Yes it was a great day and a great concert; Elton was, as always, excellent. Happy days Peter
Posted by Julia Hopday on June 20, 2022 at 6:39 pm
I remember having to go to the Royal Lancaster Hotel, Hyde Park to get our tickets as my then boyfriend’s friend was a roadie for EJ and he got us brilliant tickets as well as a tour backstage afterwards. My first big concert, very exciting all round and sadly nothing has competed since then.
Posted by vintagerock on June 21, 2022 at 11:57 am
Sounds exciting day Julia! Thanks for sharing. Happy days Peter
Posted by Theresa Wright on February 12, 2023 at 4:43 pm
I was there too. I remember him singing Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me as the sun set behind the stage. A memorable day.
Posted by vintagerock on February 12, 2023 at 5:39 pm
Hi Theresa a magic moment as part of a great day. Happy memories Peter