Elton John - Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting) (Central Park, NYC 1980)

39 years before ‘Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)’ was used as a showstopping number in the 2019 movie, Rocketman, this fury-fueled rocker took Elton’s iconic concert in Central Park to another level. Elton discards his bench for the kinetic performance as he throws himself into the song with ecstatic support from his 5-piece band (including the song’s original bassist and drummer, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson) during this 1980 show in the heart of New York City.
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Elton John - Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting) (Central Park, NYC 1980)
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[@nathankoah7506]

This song was released almost 50 years ago and still sounds as fresh as new. Great music never dies.

[@TheWilloBee10]

I mean your maths is 10 years off but couldn't agree more, fantastic song!!

[@nathankoah7506]

@@TheWilloBee10 It was released in 1973

[@TheWilloBee10]

@@nathankoah7506 wait was it??? God damn, I thought it was early eighties late seventies, sorry mate

[@themurph2000]

Best version is with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

[@anthony342]

deffo mate

[@ameanasaur]

It took me a while to realize just how important Elton John has been to music but damn, this is a 40 year old song that sounds as fresh today as when it was released.

[@tomstatham2135]

48 year old song

[@justindyches5510]

i respectfully disagree as a 27 year old i can confirm real music like this isnt made anymore my generation loves mass produced crap with an attractive mouth peice ever heard taylor swift live shes aweful

[@phenixreturns]

*guitar cover **kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYWXY3yloLRprMk** : enjoy !*

[@ocsweetputube]

50 yr old song!

[@navahohoe]

True that!

[@mario-mn5tp]

HE IS STILL STANDING

[@zurichenjoyer69]

AFTER ALL THIS TIME !

[@serventicri3587]

HE'S PICKING UP THE PIECES OF HIS LIFE

[@mario-mn5tp]

WITH OUT HIM (OR HER) ON HIS MIND

[@serventicri3587]

HE'S STILL STANDING

[@mario-mn5tp]

YEA YEA YEA (music🎶)

[@sofiamarialoverso5885]

I’m a simple human being:I see Elton John,I click

[@baronessjane9384]

I WAS THERE!!!!! I was sitting on boyfriend's shoulders and the crowd was so alive, even some cops were dancing. My favorite concert to date! Sorry AC/DC.

[@vorlux6354]

I wish I was there

[@work8046]

wooohooo ! He's alive here !!

[@Karl83able]

I Washington neither Borneo but i wish i Was there

[@benmaurer8055]

I love elton, he is an incredible piano player

[@contender730]

Red tube top?? 🤪🤩😍

[@RMINTZELL]

This man had the same gift as the Beatles! He is unmatched and never will be. An icon!

[@benmaurer8055]

U are so right, remember he is Sean lennons hodson

[@JoeSlops]

He is one of one

[@Fitchy-ke3wz]

Los Santos Rock FM has been blessed.

[@Charlie-yg1en]

I walked in to my arcade when I first bought it and heard this, I turneded the tvs volume up

[@tiredcitizenz1925]

@@Charlie-yg1en whats it called i might come

[@alexcelloandbass]

Yeah!!! Is inspiring!!

[@tommorris2771]

One of my favorite songs to run over people to lol

[@brentjacks1412]

One of my first memories of Elton John is being in a Pizza Hut in Corning N.Y. in 1976 when I was nine years old and hearing 'Dont go breaking my heart' with Kiki Dee. Our pizza was slightly burnt, so every time I eat a piece of burnt pepperoni I immediately hear that song.

[@chiel5133]

Thats so wholesome

[@tt14life90]

I remember that song too. I was born in 66. Funny.. Loved that era.

[@emlucile]

don't go burning my pizza :D

[@gaminglegend]

@@emlucile Dammit I was just about to type that, then I saw your comment haha

[@jennaadea]

🤣

[@Kadams1997]

This is probably my favorite version of this song. The way it’s sang mixed with the live instruments matches the energy of the song well. Not to mention Elton looks great in what he’s wearing!

[@valdenirasantos6646]

Yes!

[@gaminglegend]

Same

[@Legabis]

See the '84 version at wembley, nothing tops that one.

[@Kadams1997]

@@Legabis I will check it out, thanks for the suggestion!

[@carolynking1625]

I love this video but for the song I prefer the recorded version.

[@ludovicusix23]

In the 80s, I rented the VHS of this concert for 3 days. It cost me my allowance of the month! I watched it over and over again....

[@rosendaalvarez2998]

He is still standing Since 70"s.!!!!!

[@waiter1971]

I watched it on HBO many many many time s!!

[@Haroldm814]

BE KIND REWIND!

[@thatdude034]

Money well spent imo

[@bctinio]

I wonder if libraries still have this, but now in DVD format! I just checked on amazon -- $197 in VHS format!

[@claytonoakley8677]

One of the best singers and entertainers ever.

[@eleazarrivera8197]

A message to all of the people who are watching this. "Show this to future generations and don't let this music die."

[@twonstermonster850]

Why are none of the comments talking about how great the band is?? The guitarist, bassist, and drummer all went insane!! The guitar solo at 5:00 is amazing!!!!

[@Aymant279]

Right?! I couldn’t resist air guitaring during the whole thing. The bassist went hard with the baseline too

[@frankrivers2183]

Dee Murray & Nigel Olssen--Best rhythm section ever!

[@bellerophonchallen8861]

is the guitarist in the red trousers the same guy who plays on the Doobies Long Train Running filmed in Cali?

[@ellajones2598]

wow i can hardly play 3 notes and he’s going like a rollercoaster on that piano 🎹

[@eltonjohn6794]

Thanks for your comment and supports, your comments and constant support has brought me this far. Keep Supporting.❤️❤️ Please send me a mail via [e-mail]

[@skibooski6884]

@@eltonjohn6794 lmao

[@liamjones8224]

I wonder how many people REALLY know how good elton is at piano

[@jaytee1695]

He’s a genius. Not actually overstating that

[@marciabronson4725]

very few

[@johanbraanen2108]

He also gets help from another guy in this song 1:57

[@homeone4054]

He's hardly Bill Evans...

[@cayman9873]

Billy joel and elton are the best best...

[@SoftRockMusic88]

I believe that somewhere in the world, there are people who feel the same emotions that I feel when I listen to masterpieces like this song.

[@dertrute4679]

And I’m one of them. Cheers my brother

[@BENNYB-ze4dw]

As a music lover, this is astounding ❤❤❤❤

[@sylwestrasylla6178]

I feel the same, in Poland ❤

[@vanrajsindha9918]

Agree 👍with u buddy..... Hello👋🙋‍♂️ from India.... I was in America during the 70' so I know how it was when it comes to music🎶

[@vanrajsindha9918]

So much energy⚡ Elton.....

[@charlottedillon2634]

What a legend!!, the piano playing tho omg!

[@wcstevens7]

Charlotte Dillon ..I don't like him as a man...but one thing for sure, he a musical genius !!!!

[@kathleencollins5531]

He's a great man.He learned from the mistakes of his past and he tries to help others. He's got a wicked sense of humor and speaks up for what's not right. What's not to like?

[@terrier_productions]

well that's Elton for ya! but TBH he's not as much as a legend as Freddie Mercury

[@mrcatfish1351]

The RailTourer! That’s a matter of opinion, Elton came before Freddie and I believe Elton has one of the highest selling albums of all time but queen dosent, not saying I don’t love queen, but in my opinion Elton is much better and much more of a legend, he was at live aid too 😀

[@ish9506]

@@wcstevens7 he’s an amazing human being who just got screwed over so much that he became an angry person but when he gave up the devil’s sugar and no no juice he became himself again

[@ricotschudi]

For me this is the most important part about music... they all seem to be having sooo much fun just jammin around shouting and singing its really inspiring and motivating i just love it

[@joefriedman9843]

So true. I was having a blast just watching it and I'm sure I'm not the only one. His music is powerful.

[@Aymant279]

Dude I couldn’t resist air-guitaring during the solos

[@marymactavish]

This is one of the things I've always loved about music, regardless of the quality, or the quality matters, but a band having a lot of fun, like say the E Street band, can elevate a concert so much. There are some brilliant musicians out there who just don't rock out on stage, and some less brilliant musicians that can make or break a concert by how much fun they are having.

[@NostalgiaMan]

No one can tell me they would pass up Elton's suit. Hell I would wear that to a job interview.

[@apxyourboy]

lmao i would too

[@theanonymousfanatic]

Would wear it to work

[@ish9506]

If I could wear any costume I would wear the Queen Elizabeth one to school honestly

[@mattiacenacchi726]

I would give the job to somebody showing up with this suit hands down.

[@AlanVise03]

@@ish9506 Me too, even the one he use in the muppet show with crocodile rock hahaha

[@andrzejszych9538]

Elton John, Freddie Mercury, George Michael - Natural born singers

[@rocknroll1973]

Elvis presley, bon Scott, Brian Johnson too

[@LondonBlue6894]

What would the world have been like without the talent and entertainment of Elton and of Elvis!!! Glad I don't have to guess, I had both in my lifetime!

[@kenduchene8672]

Piano man ,never dies...

[@SOXGATORS]

In the liner notes to Elton John's boxed set, it explains that he recorded his vocal while leaping around and "going crazy." It was the first time Elton recorded a vocal standing up, and he made the most out of it.

[@andygeisel2177]

True! Probably the only recording (certainly one of the very few) where his piano was recorded as an overdub AFTER the all the other basic tracks had been recorded.

[@kennethgoldfarb8614]

Feel really privileged to have seen this show 20 feet from the stage. There aren’t enough superlatives to describe how incredible he is

[@nataliet3720]

That must’ve been amazing! How was it like seeing him up close? Any favorite or memorable moments?

[@freeanimals594]

I'm so envious!

[@Psycat123]

This whole concert is amazing but damn they really kill it with this song

[@fred-xb6dr]

Totally, gripping like David Gray with Babylon at Glastonbury.

[@aridian7787]

For anyone younger than boomers, he was painting a picture of working-class youth in England from the 50’s-60’s era. A close companion of this song is CROCODILE ROCK. In America, early 70’s, the trend was 50’s nostalgia, ie.. the movie “AMERICAN GRAFFITI.”

[@brandone711]

The end of the greatest decade of music ever

[@stevekelley7738]

This live performance of this song in Central Park was his best version... better than the studio album version. I declare there were times in this performance that I would not have been surprised if the keyboard on his piano had burst into flames !

[@Sky-vx5zo]

Elton John makes me nostalgic he used to make drugs and he even said he had taken all kinds of drugs but now he celebrates his 30 of sober.

[@vorlux6354]

But he's still a shopaholic

[@spky-go7kp]

Just saw him live yesterday!! Sounds as amazing as ever 40 years later

[@zebravo2842]

100% agree

[@vorlux6354]

So Lucky I'd love to have seen him live

[@ela83a]

One of my favourite songs. Great live version!

[@martm216]

Awesome considering it was live. Awesome by any standards. Normally studio productions are better because, obviously, they can hone them to near perfection. But this live performance, and 'Philadelphia Freedom' from the same concert, as well as being pretty darn near perfect - at least to amateur and aging ears! - has in addition a vitality that a studio production can never achieve.

[@Facts_dont_hurt]

This tour was the return of Dee Murray (RIP✝️✝️✝️) and Nigel Olsson, the original band members and the heart and soul of the Elton John Band.

[@adm924s]

That's sad, 45 ! He's lovin' it here at 1.39

[@timford3599]

@4:52: I just love this shot of Elton looking out over the immense crowd in Central Park with that look of satisfaction, same as A General Surveying his mass of troops going into battle...

[@sugabrowndominguez4614]

This songs ALWAYS gets me going when I'm sluggish n gotta get moving. One of the GREATEST performances EVER.

[@serenan920]

Amazing performance

[@SamuSquid]

One of the most classic rock songs!

[@benmaurer8055]

Damn can he play the piano and what a band

[@3names1person84]

freddie might have the moves but elton got the fabulous outfits.

[@happynessblaster2365]

Elton has the moves wdym.

[@happynessblaster2365]

And Freddie also has the outfits wdym.

[@fungusamongus9686]

Freddie also has the charisma

[@kathleencollins5531]

@@fungusamongus9686 So has Elton

[@nonnamadonna]

That's a matter of opinion.

[@mane4689]

I'm a blackman I can see he was a Master at his Art I love some of his Songs

[@bendavidson7122]

Elton had some WILD OUTFITS!!!!!!!

[@benmaurer8055]

And great songs and talents on the piano

[@adamt.3857]

Amazing how Reg from Pinner evolved to this incredible larger-than-life figure, performing in front of 400.000 happy New Yorkers😁. So good to know that he has finally found his happiness after surpassing all this crazy times. Luv ya, Elt!

[@StuKuhlman]

I used to live next to his cousins in Kellyville NSW and I'll never forget the motorcade coming up our street when he came to visit them - just wow. Behind the scenes he's a generous and kind hearted soul.. love him.

[@johnkelly9708]

Elton looks so happy !!!

[@user-qf5bo2dr4t]

When I wondered why I only learned about this great song now, I realized it was a song from long before I was born

[@jdenino6022]

Came out in 1973 on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. I was 12 y.o.

[@carloscerveralopez7136]

In the eighties, we had a musical group in Spain called Orquesta Mondragón. They had a very rock show with a musical theme called Lola lola. The staging of the great Elton Jhon is very Mondragon. Cheek and rock Love it

[@markcameron1865]

In 100 years Elton’s music, along with the Who, Zeppelin, Floyd, stones, Elvia……. Will all be as revered in history as the likes of Mozart, Brahms, Beethoven…. Are in our modern world!

[@electric-lee144]

When Elton realized it was Saturday

[@nikosocialrb7325]

Top best rocker the whole world.....(Elton John).

[@victordigalia3598]

Axl Rose

[@OakplaysCGaming965]

@ uncalled for

[@tt14life90]

Agreed

[@tt14life90]

The greatest!

[@martynzmd19]

The best is Mick Jagger

[@jnunyabizio5169]

Good times when Americans were happy! People not getting offended at every freaking thing! Love Elton!

[@mrsullyrox]

I was at this concert way up front,a day I'll never forget. I was 20 years old.

[@kamiahbundy4972]

I'm so jealous . . . bite me.

[@rebeccawagner4167]

This concert is freaking awesome and epic!!He's an outstanding performer 🎉🎉 He was born to entertain 🎉🎉

[@elfabraselfabros5044]

The beetovhen of the 70s 80s 90s and 20s

[@lucia-gw5ph]

And forever

[@biancamartinez7370]

What about bernie Bernie

[@UCUp6qFuIRTsbI7QMf7R]

00's

[@hamilton40042]

And 10's

[@badrluai]

and 2020's

[@ejud2001]

I was there. About 200 feet from the stage, center. Imagine half a million people singing at the top of their lungs.

[@suzybeza9412]

I saw rocketman and I remembered how much good is Elton John and after the movie I understand him better! after 40 years, I was 15 I am 59 and it still makes me jumbing like crazy!! makes me happy!!!

[@charleskerr8415]

Great song, from a great album, by a great musical artist.

[@tl656]

People keep telling me not to be on the wrong side of history. I tell them, I’m already on the wrong side of history. I can’t see freaking Elton John in central park in 1980.

[@samoakes1304]

Exactly my point lol. The 70s 80s and 90s had their issues but they definitely had better music and artists then there are now. Kinda unfortunate that there’s almost no unique music like this being made anymore (no I’m not an old person just talking about the “good old days” 😂

[@swegneto_9601]

@@samoakes1304 There is more unique music being made now more than ever, it might not be popular but it's all around with the internet

[@phenixreturns]

guitar cover kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqWvnWmnfpafhM0

[@Caligulita]

Good lord he is amazing.

[@crisoliveira1542]

Saturday! Saturday! Saturday!! I can hear little Reggie singing 🎤😁😁🎼🎼🎼

[@crisoliveira1542]

@@eltonjohn6794 oh my Goodness!!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@eltonjohn6794]

I'll personally look out for your mail.

[@UnknownYTUser23]

@@crisoliveira1542 report that channel, it is false, it's not Elton

[@crisoliveira1542]

@@UnknownYTUser23 yes I know

[@tonystojcevski6158]

Not 1 Phone in the crowd everyone is just having a great time and living in the moment!

[@Nasty-Canasta]

Same stupid comment boomers always say. If yall had phones in 1980, y'all'd be on them non stop just like y'all are now.

[@DevilDogDen1775]

I was at this concert...... It was freakin` hot and humid..... But no one seemed to care because Elton and the band was so damn COOL !!!!!

[@ronnywilson2112]

Great performance, this is Elton at his best... I love this song forever.

[@andycarruthers3623]

That’s fast I’m sure Elton had been on multi vitamins lol great song 👍👍😂

[@irishman4671]

Multivitamins lol

[@kielysmith3859]

Lmfao 😂

[@SamanthaGuttesen]

Watch the version of this at Wembley 84, even more dosed up on the "vitamins".

[@brianallancobb]

Love the "hey-ey-ey" at about 4:00.

[@benmohatun]

That live performance is something for the ages for damn sure.

[@zedude7781]

That was absolutely awesome, I was dancing in my room the whole time. One of the best performances I have ever seen from him. So much energy in this man!!

[@Mjones8383]

Pills and cocain will make anyone speedy, that highspeed chicken feed

[@fred-xb6dr]

@@Mjones8383 Probably but to be fair he's also 33, the enthusiasm may still be there but the beans aren't.

[@musicinveins2000]

Captain Fantastic 🎹🎵🎼🎶🎹

[@aether13x69]

Just confirmed as the theme song for AEWs new Saturday Show, "Collision".

[@Haroldm814]

This is my favorite version of the song. I choose this over the studio ANY day!!!

[@anafdez6512]

It sounds so fresh and cool nowadays as in the beggining of the 80's , amazing voice and artist, superb!!!👌👌👏👏💓💓

[@triniexpatgolfer4397]

Just seen him in Sydney last week. The blokes a legend and still had the magic in his fingers. How I would loved to have seen him here when he was doing this with all that energy.

[@one2teen]

Also saw Elton on 7th and 14th of January. He was so good. I only saw him once before in 2015.

[@andrewmagee2541]

What a performance x

[@davidhackett7106]

Man oh man. This video is therapeutic.

[@janetgalofski3996]

He is absofuckinglootly amazing!!!! I've loved EJ since I was in 12....am 58 now .....omg👍👍👍🎼🎼🎼🎼❤❤❤❤

[@eltonjohn6794]

Thanks for your comment and supports, your comments and constant support has brought me this far. Keep Supporting.❤️❤️ Please send me a mail via [e-mail]

[@zebravo2842]

100% agree

[@rebeccaizzmeeFemm1]

Anyone dancing with me in 2024????

[@AngKritter12]

Yes 😊

[@user-ip7ee5wp8d]

Yup

[@vanrajsindha9918]

Count me in

[@francinpascaline3750]

moi....❤❤❤❤😂

[@KBspiritsurvive]

1st time seen him dance ~ without glasses🎉whoo what a suit💫& performance

[@DMSProduktions]

Definitely 1 of Elton's BEST performances!

[@mugul2]

So good sir ELTON JOHN ❤

[@jcm1560]

the greatest artist in pop history . Sir elton john . This version is amazing .

[@DaveBeard24]

Classic rock at its finest

[@benmaurer8055]

And piano playing

[@KangoV]

He is absolutely loving it. Makes this rendition all the more great!

[@RJS1974]

I don’t understand why this song isn’t included in best classic rock songs lists. A lot of snobs like to exclude Elton bc they didn’t like it when he switched to more ballads and pop.

[@luisaramos9790]

Who´s excited of listening this in 2020? I wish I had been there, but I was only 5. 40 years later I´m just waiting the moment I can attend a concert of the great Sir Elton John!!!

[@one2teen]

Saw him for the first time in 2015 and the second time in 2020. He is still just as good.

[@deetsepnopoulos3122]

@@one2teen I saw him in Vancouver in 1975 during the Captain Fantastic tour. I was thirteen and had to go with my older sisters. They had rush seating in those days, so we got there early and when the doors opened we ran to the front railing right in the middle. He was young and in his prime. The concert was unforgettable.

[@jroc2201]

Damn hes good

[@sebastienpenault2604]

Hello, I am french. Just to say : what singer and what showman. I love so much. Bye bye.

[@thesatisfiedcustomer4869]

I don’t own a single record of johns but I respect his music. Proper talented. Hats off.

[@Kjjjuynn5]

Such a great 'not even human' expression! Genius! Legendary!

[@benk2304]

To be at this concert with that energy! Bang dem keys! Wail on the 6 six string! Damn!

[@lodingwai]

Legendary performance!!

[@kamuelalee]

Elton at the height of his powers. Great time.

[@allysondangelo6040]

I wish I had that grandma to inspire me. Elton is my favorite rockstar! The movie inspired me!

[@io8736]

rimpiangerò sempre di non essere nata a quei tempi

[@djvoid1]

Still sounded just as good a couple of weeks ago when we saw him and he rocked it for 2+ hours non stop. Legend

[@liloozyegg535]

& he’s still standing.... what a legend!

[@mussiguila]

How I would to be born enough years ago to be present in this iconic concert! For now, I can't get full to watch it again and again!

[@jeffz1220]

"a juvenile product of the working class, whose best friend floats at the bottom of a glass" Heavy!!

[@kaybeeva]

AEW Collision just has the most perfect barn-raising theme.

[@jamesjournalist3919]

I was there just a few rows from the stage. Had to wait six hours to get that spot but it was worth it. Couldn't do it today lol.

[@chrisstory563]

what I find good about this performance is that Elton was having a ball on stage. pretty rare to see him move around on stage. right here in 1980 having some fun and what I also like is him throwing some little nod to Jerry Lee Lewis with his piano playing.

[@serenan920]

It is Jerry Lee Lewis blasted into orbit

[@OrlandoOrtiz570]

Rock and Roll like no one before nor since.

[@DANTEANDOLINI]

HIS ENTRANCE CRACKS ME UP. THE WALK, THE WAY HE LOOKED AT THE AUDIENCE, THEN GOES FROM GIMPISH TO AMAZING SOON AS HE SETS THAT MICROPHONE ON FIRE. AMAZING ARTIST I MISSED, BUT TARON DID A GREAT JOB AND I'VE BOUGHT ALL HIS STUFF NOW. WHO'D OF THOUGHT. GREAT PIANO AND VOICE. GO ELTON!

[@locksand45]

Thats so true, he looked like a drunk uncle at a wedding until he got on the piano and that voice just took tf over.

[@bethelight247]

Absolutely sensational! What a showman! Legend!

[@eddiemike6092]

This is the greatest song ever recorded !!!

[@marcmanis2970]

One of the greatest albums of all time The Rocket Man is amazing still