More about: Elton John

"We played here in 1970 with T-Rex and The Who," says Elton, while introducing his band. And how things have changed since then.

Firstly, backed only by Nigel Olsson (still playing percussion today) and the late, great Dee Murray, the group was just a three piece, and they were new enough for it not to be one of those occasions where you go: Elton John? Roundhouse? No. Way! Because 1700 people in Camden is low key considering they played Hyde Park just last week.

Secondly, it's hard to imagine the moments before you get into the gig in 1970 being anywhere near the same. Tonight is held by a corporation with more money than some sovereign nations, and it bizarrely has the feel of a border before get in. As a response to the Bataclan attacks, Apple aren't prepared to take any risks, and introduce airport style security at the door, meaning queues for the Roundhouse take about as long to get through as airport ones. But once you get past the Orwellian entry process, the magic of the occasion takes over.

In attendance tonight are competition winners and musicians who know their stuff: Courtney Love, with daughter Francis Bean Cobain, and Bobby Gillespie are among the audience. But there's no hierarchical atmosphere. Everyone is on the same plane celebrating Elton. The love here is more palpable than a normal gig: "Elton, we love you" is heard being shouted every minute or so.

As the show proceeds, the reason there's so much love for his him becomes transparent. The crowd are under his spell and the overriding feel is led by passionate rhythm and blues tunes that would make the perfect soundtrack for a road trip through America's dazzling wild landscape. Also, there's a peppering of heartfelt ballads that give a special aura to the evening.

What's brilliant about Elton is he doesn't just draw from his remarkable back catalogue as if he's going through the motions. He is a wildly entertaining performer and after every song he leans back from his piano stool and waves his arms in a showbiz-y fashion that acts as a sort of bow and it's charming.

His confidence his helped as he has what feels like the most well-drilled band on the planet. He has three percussion players, a bassist, a wizardry keys player, and a lead guitar player that looks every bit the part (flawless soloing, great style, multiple guitars, and just the right amout of cockyness).

Stylistically, the band look amazing. They're all dressed in black, while Elton adds a splash of red with a suit that has glittery rose embroidered onto it, glittery pointed shows, and his trademark glasses.

But tonight isn't a straight up Elton John gig. He has taken a massive gamble in introducing up-and-coming bands to the stage to have two songs each including their own material and his.  He tells us that doing a radio show for Apple Music puts him in touch with new artists and he's so happy for it. 

Tonight Rosie Lowe, Gallant, Parker Milsap, and Christine and The Queens are the chosen ones. Their introduction gives the show a real festive atmosphere, doesn't distract from the fact it's Elton's night, and they all nail their opporunity.

"I heard about Parker Milsap through Rosanna Cash and I fell in love with his voice," says Elton. Milsap, who looks a bit like a young Metallica Lars Ulrich if he played country music, does the man in black proud with an accomplished charismatic vocal performance and acoustic guitar playing. Meanwhile, Gallant who is dressed in along black coat, confidently bounds around the stage and brings the house down with his nature defying range.

It's Christine and The Queens that steal the show, though. "She's a favourite artist not only musically but visually," says Elton before the French singer arrives on stage to play her song 'Tilted'. Contemporary dancers join her to do the quirky dance they do in their music video for it. Elton John's right. Having a visual that strong next to a left field pop hit that strong is beguiling.

It's the Christine and The Queens singer who gets the daunting task of having to do justice to 'Tiny Dancer'. Her fellow dancers leave the stage and as Elton asks her in French if she'll join him for the duet. She answers in English: "With love". She appears confident and looks comfortable on stage. She performs opposite the grand pianom singing directly to Elton at times, and chemistry on stage is one of love - she lives up to her promise.

In addition to introducing new artists, Elton's out showcasing some of his new cuts. 'A Good Heart', which he says is a favourite of his from his new album, Wonderful Crazy Night, is a real stand out. The emotion of the occasion heightens his delivery and this take sounds rawer and benefits from not being as cleanly produced as the album version.

But he doesn't overload the night with songs less people have heard and classic hits roll out in good supply. The real high moment comes as the people seated above the stage lose their minds to 'Crocodile Rock'. It's a real coming together moment as the people in the stands are mostly VIPs or people who've worked on getting these Apple shows together. They start to dance more vigorously than the people on the floor. It's as if all the hard work of getting Elton to do the show has definitely paid off.

The night comes to a close with a raucous rendition 'Saturday Night's Alright'. All four new singers join the band on stage for the celebrations. Elton walks off, visually trembling with emotion. The only thing that signifies he's 69 is looking at the internet. He's sounded in his youthful prime all night and he will look back on this show as a highlight of his career. Also, having more than bump started the career of four outsider musicians who he said, "don't get played on mainstream radio because mainstream radio is mostly full of crap," he can rest assured he's doing his bit for the future too.

More about: Elton John