Sir Elton wows his fans on the Granaries

The vicious roar of the lions that engulf St Publius were last night silenced for two-and-a-half hours by the dulcet yet powerful tones of a moved Elton John who promised to return with his band in two years' time.

The congestion that had served as such an unfitting curtainraiser to this stunning event was in evidence once again yesterday, but only in the form of a tireless and willing crowd on the Floriana granaries who sang along to every one of the 28 songs that he belted out without so much as a bead of sweat running down his spiky-haired forehead.

For the vociferous crowd it was a case of listening to every Elton John song they have ever wanted to hear but were afraid to ask.

For the star of the stage, it was clearly all a little too much: "I am sorry it has been so long since I have been here. It won't be another 33 years. I will come back in two years' time with the band," he said just as he finished what was probably supposed to be the last encore of a long show - 'Don't let the sun go down on me' - only to come back on in a red and white tracksuit to shake hands with an insatiable crowed who were then treated to his 'Circle of Life'.

Dressed in a distinctive blue suit with gold-coloured decoration on the sleeve and dark but uncharacteristically conservative sunglasses, Sir Elton took to the small stage and sat at his Yamaha grand piano a few minutes before 8.30 p.m. to serve up the tantalising starter, 'Your Song'.

The lights behind him were a deep violet, the sun was just beginning to go down on him, and even the quarter moon above could not resist a peek at his performance which was enhanced by the wonderfully lit St Publius church to his left.

Relaxed and very keen to play, Sir Elton interspersed soothing and at times feet stomping classics like 'Sacrifice' and 'Billy and the Jets' with jokes about how 1970 seemed like yesterday and, "this song was actually written in this century".

'Candle in the Wind' was greeted by the crowd with the overwhelming emotion of a returning prodigal son and several great piano solos were warmly appreciated by the receptive audience. After every song, Sir Elton acknowledged the crowd, briefly removed his spectacles and took a sip of water.

The crowd did not want him to end, but the curtain fell on a flawless event at 11 p.m. Few will miss the opportunity to see him again in 2005.