The Elton John Pontiac Stadium show was a pleasant surprise in many ways, and a predictable let-down in others. After a competent opening by John Miles, Elton hit the stage to do what he's really good at; entertaining audiences by making fun of himself, presenting a visually arresting show and keeping the music driving fast enough to keep everybody on the edge of their seats. Elton was supported by three uninhibited, sassy soccef-gear-clad dancer/singers; two boys and a girl named Tex who seemed to have no end of energy. The combination of them and this short, balding man screaming like a silly girl, -dressed in a green glitter coat, with

guitarist Davey Johnstone appearing like a tall blond Cossack, in boots and long coat, was enough to keep all eyes glued to the stage. As if that wasn't enough, Elton came on in Statue of Liberty drag for one of the encores, danced on his piano, punched Davey, "played guitar," did a "strip." dedicated "Bennie and the J ets" to the Pistons, and performed for more than two hours with just a short "tea" break for, the first 40 seconds of "Funeral For A Friend." There were no lags in the show, except for "Love Song," for this reporter; the type of song that deserves to be done by Cleveland hotel lounge groups and nobody else. Also entertaining the press box was Mark "The Bird" Fidrych, who gamely signed autographs, did an impression of himself drunk, and refused to sign a girls arm. "Why not?" she,pleaded. "Because youll get blood poisoning and sue me," he explained. Elton had requested to meet the Bird, so stadium officials contacted Jackie Kallen, sometime writer for the Oakland Press, (who did the Bird feature in this issue) and J ackie brought the Bird along. The letdown part of the show was, of course, the stadium itself, it couldnt have been very comfortable down in the cattle stalls on the floor, and way up in the stands fans probably could only see a little green blur singing "Rocket Man" . . . who do these extravaganzas benefit?