Elton John is one of the most iconic and prolific musicians of all time. With over 300 million records sold worldwide, 50 Top 40 hits, and multiple Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards, Elton John has cemented his status as a true legend. Even after over 50 years of performing, Elton John remains one of the most captivating and engaging performers alive today. His live shows are filled with infectious energy, flamboyant costumes, and masterful piano playing that transports audiences back through his incredible catalogue of classic songs.
When attending an Elton John concert, one of the key elements that determines the experience is where you are seated. Elton John’s shows are elaborately staged productions with huge video walls, dynamic lighting, and effects. Different seats will provide you with varying perspectives, sound quality, and proximity to the man himself. Depending on your preferences and budget, certain seats can maximize your ability to see the spectacle unfold, immerse yourself in the music, and feel connected to the artist.
This article will break down the pros and cons of different seating options at Elton John’s concerts, how to get the best value seats, and tips to improve your experience no matter where your seats are located. Whether you are a longtime fan seeing your idol for the 10th time or a newcomer eager to see a master live for the first time, this guide will ensure you select the ideal seats for the Elton John concert of a lifetime.
Floor Seats
The floor seats at an Elton John concert are the prime real estate locations closest to the stage. Floor seats typically consist of plastic folding chairs set up on the arena floor in front of the stage. Depending on the venue, the floor can be flat or tiered with gradually raised sections the further back you go. There are many advantages to getting floor seats for an Elton John concert:
Proximity to Elton and the Stage: Floor seats get you the closest to all the action. You’ll have a direct, unobstructed sightline right to Elton’s piano and the elaborate staging. This proximity intensifies the feeling of connection and energy shared between Elton and the audience. You’ll be able to clearly see his expressions and movements as he sings and plays passionately just feet away from you.
Immersive Sound: The sound quality of floor seats can’t be beat. The massive speaker arrays are directed right at the floor, bombarding you with the full warmth, nuance, and power of the music. Every piano note and lyric will be crisp and clear. You’ll feel like you’re right there in the recording studio with Elton.
Liveliness of the Floor: The floor is the most lively section, filled with diehard lifelong Elton fans who know all the words and dance in the aisles. The infectious excitement down on the floor creates an unforgettable shared experience. Lighter crowds are given more room to move and groove to the music.
Exclusive Merch Access: Floor seat ticket holders often get first access to limited tour merchandise stands only accessible on the floor. You can get your hands on select concert tees, programs, and souvenirs before they sell out.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider with floor seats:
Price: Floor seats carry the highest ticket prices for Elton John concerts, routinely in the hundreds of dollars. But for many fans, the Experience is worth the premium price.
Limited Elevation: While you are close to the stage, the flat floor means you won’t have the benefit of increased viewing angles that come with elevated seating. Tall patrons and staging elements can sometimes obstruct sightlines.
Time Investment: The floor requires arriving early to get a prime spot upfront. Once you claim your real estate, you’ll need to hold your ground as the crowd floods in pre-show.
Fatigue Factor: The lack of chairs means you’ll spend the 2+ hour show on your feet. Be prepared for leg and back fatigue, especially for shows later in tours.
Front Row Seats
Within the floor sections, the most coveted and elusive seats are the front row seats. The front row puts you literally feet from Elton’s piano at some venues. This extreme proximity and direct sightline creates almost a private concert feeling and unmatched intimacy with the performer. Elton frequently makes eye contact with front row fans, enhancing the connection. You’ll see every detail of his expressive playing and wardrobe up close. Special moments like tossed souvenirs and setlist sheets are more likely to happen in the front row too.
However, front row seats come with big trade-offs:
Extreme Ticket Prices: Due to miniscule supply and huge demand, genuine front row seats can cost $1,000 or more per ticket from resellers. Even the original ticket prices are $500 and up. Deep pockets are required for this bucket list experience.
Closeness Compromise: You may actually be too close at times! When Elton ventures to the front of the long stage, he could be 50 feet away obscured behind his piano at certain points if you are stuck at the far ends of the first row. Side angle views lack the ideal head-on sightline.
Sound Complexities: While the sound is loud and direct, being right against the speaker stacks can make the mix seem too separated and uneven at times. The layers of sound blend together more naturally a few rows back.
Distorted Perspective: When you are too close, you miss the big picture spectacle and lighting displays that require a wider perspective. It can be hard to fully recognize and appreciate the elaborate production from the extreme front row vantage.
So while the allure of front row is strong, the perfect sweet spot lies just a few rows behind front row center, where you can still feel close but also absorb the full production.
Lower Level Side Stands
For large arena shows, the side stands in the lower bowl offer elevated sightlines and strong sound quality for a somewhat affordable price. Lower level side seats are in the first 10-20 rows on the left or right side of the stage. Depending on the city and venue, prices typically range from $100 to $300 per seat.
Benefits of choosing lower side stands:
Elevation: The raised viewing angle provides excellent unobstructed sightlines over the floor crowds, so you can see every member of the band clearly even during standing ovations.
Immersive Sound: You’ll enjoy crisp, balanced audio from the nearest speaker stack directed at your section. Clarity may even exceed extremely close floor seats.
Affordability: Lower side stands offer substantial savings versus the premium floor and front row tickets. Side seats deliver great value, especially in cities with high demand.
Quick Exit: Side stands put you right next to large exit portals, enabling fast escape for bathroom breaks or beating crowds out.
Downsides to consider:
No Floor Access: These seats prevent you from mingling on the floor pre-show or having floor ticket perks like early merch access.
Limited Angle: The side perspective misses some of the center stage spotlight moments and lacks the head-on visual of Elton playing piano.
Obstructions: On stages with elaborate lighting rigs and video walls, structural elements can partially block views from the far sides.
Mix Compromises: The side speaker concentration favors guitars and vocals over piano and drums that occupy the middle. The overall balance suffers slightly.
Distance: While not extremely far back, you lose some of the intimate artist connection compared to front floor rows.
Still, side stand seats achieve an excellent balance of sightlines, sound, and affordability.
Upper Level Stands
For fans on tighter budgets, seats in the upper levels or balconies can deliver strong value. Upper stands are generally the cheapest seats, ranging from $50 to $150 depending on city and venue size. Upper seats include the last 1/4 or 1/3 of the upper bowl, 25+ rows back.
Advantages of sitting in the upper levels:
Budget Friendly: Experience Elton’s amazing show for about a quarter the price of the floor. Upper seats make the concert accessible to bigger groups and younger fans.
Bird’s Eye View: The steep upper balconies provide panoramic overhead sightlines to see the full scope of the production, including the rear projection visuals.
Surround Sound: The entire arena fills with crisp audio, so sound in the upper deck remains solid though less deafening than the floor.
Fan Community: Loyal fans congregate in the upper sections show after show. Enjoy singing along together and making new friends.
However, upper seats come with some sacrifices:
Maximum Distance: The furthest reaches can be almost 150 feet back from the stage, minimizing that crucial intimate artist connection. Binoculars might help.
Potential Obstructions: Upper decks have overhead structure that can impede views, especially steep venues like Madison Square Garden. Lean forward in your seat during key moments.
Loss of Immersion: It’s harder to lose yourself in the show’s energy when surrounded by seated fans vs. the lively floor. Clapping along is still a must!
Delayed Entry: Upper seats often enter last after floor and lower levels are seated. You miss the entrance excitement.
While upper deck seats limit the personal connection and immersion, the affordable price and unique aerial views keep the music and magic alive.
How to Get the Best Ticket Deals
Here are some tips and strategies for getting the best seats possible while maximizing value:
Buy Early: Prices are lowest when tickets first go on sale. Sign up for pre-sales to get early access before public sales. Set calendar reminders so you’re ready right at the moment they go on sale online.
Weekdays Over Weekends: Cities with multi-night stands typically have the most deals on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Fridays and Saturdays carry premium markups.
Group Discounts: Booking large groups of 6, 8, or 10+ tickets can unlock blocks with discounted group rates. Pooling groups together online achieves group savings.
Upper Level Side Over Corners: While behind floor sections cost more, they offer better angles than the furthest corners. Pay a bit more for prime upper side stands over corners.
Purchase Protection: Reputable ticketing sites like Ticketmaster provide free refunds if Elton has to reschedule so you aren’t stuck with useless tickets. Read policies carefully before purchasing.
Patiently Monitor Resale Sites: As show dates approach, check resale sites repeatedly for below face value deals as brokers slash prices on unsold inventory.
Arrive Early: Even upper deck seats can get you down on the floor pre-show with the right timing. Be one of the first in your section to get a coveted wristband on the floor from the pit manager.
With the right timing and smart planning, every fan can experience prime seats for their budget.
Tips For Making Any Seat The Best Seat
While securing the perfect seat location is ideal, there are many ways to enhance your experience no matter where your seat is:
Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time to park, get through security, and soak in the pre-show anticipation and people watching.
Review Setlists: Watch recent setlists online so you know lyrics, key moments, and potential rarities ahead. Be prepared to sing along.
Bring Binoculars: Compact binoculars are concert game-changers. They make far distances disappear so you won’t miss intimate expressions and piano nuances.
Charge Your Phone: But be respectful using it! Capture and share amazing memories balanced with staying present. Have backup chargers and protective cases ready.
Pack Provisions: Bring small hydration packs and non-perishable snacks to save on venue costs. Enjoy the show without nuisance concession runs.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Survive long lines, security, and hours of standing while looking stylish in supportive footwear. Function meets fashion.
Travel Light: Venues restrict bag sizes and ban backpacks. Pare down to essentials like ID, payment, and car keys to speed security entry.
Focus Forward: Lean physically forward during key piano solos, lyrics, and chat breaks to connect with the stage. Avoid distractions behind you.
Embrace Your Neighbors: Chat about favorite songs and memories before showtime. Trade photos during and after. Lifelong fans surround you.
Let Loose and Sing! This is your moment – lose yourself in the music! Follow Elton’s lead and unleash your inner rock star.
Ultimately, your mindset and attitude shape your reality. Savor each moment inside the venue. Focus on the good times happening instead of minor issues. Soak up the memories, music, and magic shared with Elton and fans. Each Elton John concert is a gift and celebration.
Conclusion
Seeing Elton John live in concert is a bucket list must for any music fan. His decades of chart-topping hits and showstopping showmanship make for an unforgettable experience that will live on in your heart forever. While floor seats offer extreme proximity and lower bowl stands provide excellent elevated views, even the cheapest upper deck seats let you sing along with a legend. Fans can get amazing deals by buying early, joining pre-sales, and monitoring resale sites. But most importantly, stay present and soak up each moment with positivity. With the right mindset and smart planning, you will discover the best seats for the once-in-a-lifetime concert experience with Elton John.
