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Blasting onto stage in rose-colored glasses and a long jacket emblazoned with a stream of blue, red and gold sparkles spewing from a rocket and the words Rocket Man across the back, Elton John put on a performance that showed that 40 years of entertaining crowds has made him nothing short of a master at it. From fingers that deceptively look too stubby to coax music from a piano, the keys melted beneath his hands and the notes flowed seamlessly throughout the Maverik Center on Friday night. He didn't tickle or torture the keys, he simply melded with them. The 67-year-old's iconic voice is just as strong live as it is on any album. John proved through his two-hour set of greatest hits that he hasn't dropped a beat.

Opening song • John started with an amazing five-minute piano intro and then transitioned to "Funeral for a Friend."

Highlight • As the night continued, John talked with the crowd more, talking about his songwriting process, who he's worked with and stories from his near half-century in the music business.

Crowd favorite • It's difficult to narrow down just one as John hit all his best-loved works. The audience sang along to "Bennie and the Jets," swayed together though "Candle in the Wind" and "Tiny Dancer" and leapt to their feet in ovation for "Hey Ahab" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."

Best quote • "I've been doing this a long time, and as I get older I get more comfortable in my own skin, and I love playing for you guys more than ever. I thank you loyal fans. I go home after a show, and I feel like a million bucks."

In the crowd • The packed house sported fans of all ages, from the parents of those who had grown up with John in the '70s to the now-teenage kids of that generation.

Encore • After signing items from the audience for a few minutes from the stage, John launched into "Crocodile Rock," followed by "Daniel."

Opening band • Bright Light Bright Light, née Rod Thomas, impressed the crowd with his strong vocals and techno pop sound. "When I was a boy in Wales, America was a place on TV. It's great to see people actually live here," said Thomas.

Next up • The Black Keys play the Maverik Center on Nov. 12.