Sir Elton John rocked Shrewsbury’s Greenhous Meadow stadium with two-and-a-half hours of his greatest hits.

The Rocket Man kicked off with Funeral for a Friend and went through some of his best-known songs, including Candle in the Wind, Saturday Night’s All Right (For Fighting), Are You Ready For Love? and Your Song.

The star, who arrived by helicopter just two hours before he was due on stage, thanked his fans for supporting him over the years, and paid tribute to Shrewsbury Town for letting him use their stadium.

Sir Elton told the 16,000-strong crowd that he wished the Shrews well for next season and hoped they would win promotion.

He dedicated yesterday’s concert to Ed Mainwaring, from Meole Brace, who died in May of lymphatic cancer.

Sir Elton said a letter he received “broke my heart” after hearing that Ed, 21, had been hoping to attend the concert.

Before the concert diners at the Red Barn in Longden Road, Shrewsbury had to do a double-take after the singing legend popped in with his entourage for a drink.

One diner, said: “We knew he was playing a show in town but never expected to see him in the pub.”

By Claire Dunn and Russell Roberts

Even the rain held off as Sir Elton – dressed in an electric blue shirt and tails covered in jewels – belted out the hits for more than two hours before his thousands of waterproof-clad fans.

Concert-goers said the star’s visit was fantastic for the town and hoped it would pave the way for more big name acts to perform at the Oteley Road stadium.

Cheryl Walton, of Shrewsbury, said: “It was brilliant, really good. I won tickets to come and see the concert on the Severn Radio. I used to be in his fan club when I was eight but I wasn’t sure what to expect this time. He’s such a showman and he was brilliant.

“We need to get Take That next time.”

Anne Stewart, Leigh Stewart and Maureen Turner, all from Shrewsbury, who have attended a number of big concerts across the country, said they believed last night’s gig was one of the best they had ever seen.

Leigh said: “It was brilliant and we need to get him back. He had amazing energy, he came on at 7pm and it was non-stop right through to 9.30pm which is incredible.

“He seemed to really enjoy it and gave off a really good vibe, it was a really good long concert. My favourite song was Tiny Dancer.”

Anne said: “Even when his band went off he was still fantastic. I think it was a really well organised concert.”

Maureen said they were also touched at Elton’s dedication of the concert to the late 21-year-old Ed Mainwaring whose family and girlfriend were in the audience.

She said: “It was lovely when he did that and it will have meant a lot to his family.

“It is definitely one of the best concerts I have attended and we go to lots of concerts. It’s so nice to come here to this stadium and hear big names.

“We are hoping there will be more to come in the future as this one was really successful.”

Tony and Beverley Cheadle and Will and Lesley Strachan, all from Shrewsbury, attended the concert together and said it had been a great experience.

Beverley said: “It was two-and-a-half hours of non-stop music. It was superb with his classic songs and some of his new stuff as well.”

Dancing

Tony said: “It’s Status Quo next and we’re getting some really good names in Shrewsbury.”

The group said there was an excellent atmosphere at the concert with people singing and dancing in the stands and on the pitch.

Jean Fewtrell, of Wem, was attending the concert with her daughters Suzanne Ward and Samantha Helliwell.

She said: “It was fantastic and we really wanted to see him. It was a good venue and it was really organised, it was wonderful to have something like this in Shrewsbury.”

Judith Reynolds, of Newtown, said she had travelled to the concert with a number of friends and family members.

She said: “It was fantastic and he played lots of his best known songs. There was a really good atmosphere and we all had a great time.”

Bob and Amanda Ward, from Wolverhampton, said it had been great fun.

“We thought the football ground would be a good place for a concert and it definitely was.

“Elton was fantastic and really put on a good show. He played his classics like Rocket Man and Crocodile Rock but the songs from his new album were excellent as well.

“If they have a concert like this again we would definitely come.”

Samantha Roberts, of Cross Houses, near Shrewsbury, who was there with husband Sean, said: “It was a great evening. Elton was a real showman and there was a good mix of old and new songs. I thought the venue was perfect and even the weather held.”

Sharon Howells, of Telford, and her 17-year-old son Adam said they were thrilled that Elton John was playing in Shrewsbury.

“It is great that Elton is playing here and that we did not have to travel too far to see him.”

Avril Armitage-Smith and her sisters Gill Mcgready and Anne Woodman, from Stafford, Wolverhampton and Yorkshire,were fresh from seeing Take That in concert in Manchester.

They shrugged off the threat of rain and said they were thrilled .

While Nicola Twyford, from Bayston Hill, near Shrewsbury, said: “I think this is brilliant for Shrewsbury. “

Kevin and Anne Adams, of Shrewsbury, said they had been looking forward to the event for months.

Hero

Anne said: “Elton John is my hero. I have been to see him in concert three times and it is great that he is here in Shrewsbury.”

Lynne Lloyd, of Melverley, near Oswestry, said her ticket had been a Christmas present.

“It is absolutely wonderful that Elton is here in Shrewsbury.”

Vanessa Bates and her friend Lecky Phillips, both of Telford, said they were huge fans and were delighted that Elton performed in Shrewsbury.

Also at the concert was Shrewsbury Town Football Club mascot Ron Millar and his wife Caroline, of Sutton Farm, Shrewsbury, said: “It is absolutely brilliant that Elton John has come here, and in particular the football stadium. It really puts us on the map.”

Melissa Clews, of Copthorne, Shrewsbury, said it was the first time that she had seen Elton perform. “It is really great that he was here on my doorstep.”

Margaret Timmins, of Maesbury, was attending the concert with her daughters Natalie, of Wrexham and Michelle, of West Felton.

“We are all big Elton John fans. We have waited a long time to come and see him as we got our tickets in October last year.”

And Sally Johnson, of Worthen, near Shrewsbury, said: “What a great night.”