Elton John at the Liverpool Echo Arena _320

THERE are few performers whose first step out of the wings is greeted with a spontaneous standing ovation.

The mere sight of his red grand piano had led to rapturous applause.

But when Elton John walked in front of a sell-out Merseyside crowd at the Echo Arena last night, thousands took to their feet.

And during a 90-minute set in which hit followed hit, the piano man didn’t let them down. What’s more, the superstar who’s been touring for more than four decades savoured every minute.

The Red Piano Tour brought an electric burst of Las Vegas pizzazz to Liverpool.

Designed and conceptualised by Elton’s friend and acclaimed photographer, Dave LaChapelle, the show has been running at Las Vegas’ The Colosseum, in Caesars Palace, since 2004. Now Liverpool is one of only three UK cities hosting the show this year.

Wearing a trademark tailed black coat, loudly embroidered across the back, Elton kick-started the show with upbeat Benny and the Jets.

He and the glossy Yamaha were ensconced in a five-pointed star, outlined in red neon lighting.

Then the singer turned from the piano, and said: “This is a different show to what you’ve seen before, but we love doing it.”