When Elton John decided to move his Rock in Rio performance up by 65 minutes on Monday (Sept. 7), many assumed it was weather-related. After all, thunderstorms had battered the City of Rock for the previous three days, and a man nearing 80 could hardly be blamed for wanting to avoid a late-night downpour.
But the real reason was different. The British superstar wanted to take the stage early enough to deliver a full concert: 24 songs over two hours and 15 minutes, considerably longer than a typical festival set. Even the rain seemed to cooperate, letting up in time for the audience to hear him sing.
The…
