Theatre Royal Brighton – 28th February 2025
The Rocket Man: A Tribute to Sir Elton John at Theatre Royal Brighton was a night of musical magic. Jimmy Love, a fantastic soundalike and lookalike, personified Elton John with his signature vocal style and some seriously impressive piano skills. He burst onto the stage with Pinball Wizard, setting the tone for an evening packed with energy, nostalgia and showmanship.
It’s no easy feat to replicate an artist with such a legendary career. Elton John, an EGOT winner with an enormous back catalogue, is one of the most celebrated musicians of all time. Jimmy and the band rose to the challenge, performing hit after hit with enthusiasm and flair.
All the classics were there such as Rocketman, Your Song, Daniel and Bennie and the Jets. Tiny Dancer stood out with a stunning, more guitar-led arrangement that gave the song a fresh feel. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was another highlight, delivered beautifully.
The sold-out crowd sang along to I’m Still Standing and Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting, both packed with punch and infectious energy. Jimmy handled both the upbeat anthems and heartfelt ballads with ease. His powerful voice carried through every song, bringing emotion and excitement.
With several flamboyant costume changes, Jimmy captured Elton’s iconic style perfectly. The attention to detail in his outfits, from sequins to feathers, made the performance feel all the more authentic. Backed by a tight four-piece band and the powerhouse vocals of Tara Marie Armstrong, every song was delivered with passion and precision.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the show was the cheeky in-character banter between songs. Jimmy’s friendly, good-natured approach quickly won over the audience, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
As the show drew to a close, Crocodile Rock had the whole audience singing along and dancing in the aisles. It was the perfect ending to a night celebrating one of music’s greatest legends.
The Rocket Man, a Tribute to Elton John – 5 stars
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