Although Elton John is known for pulling off shows while in an impaired state, sometimes the results aren't pretty: This show being a classic example! Barcelona 1986 ranks among the funniest and unfortunately, the worst shows he has done in his live career! Despite the quality being average (though still listenable), and "The Bitch Is Back" having a major cut, this show will paint a clear picture on why it's not a good idea to go on stage stoned (to the point where you can't sing properly)!

In the 1980s, Elton was known to have addictions to cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana. He would almost always be under the influence while performing, but he would be able to deliver (mostly) excellent shows. This is one of the rare shows where his overall performance wasn't the best: Elton has smoked so much marijuana, that his singing voice doesn't work properly! He sounds very unstable throughout the show (especially in the first few songs), has problems with sustaining higher notes, and his falsetto often falters! He also tends to make very strange note choices and vocal phrasings (like singing random lines on thirds, and holding out lower notes longer than usual). Some people have said that some renditions of songs on this show sound worse than stuff like Saratoga/Los Angeles 1986, and the Australian shows! I rank this as Elton's worst European 1986 show, and this being worse than some North American shows (basically agreeing with Elton Bootlegs)!

"Tonight" sounds OK overall (though Elton sounds very uneasy in spots), "One Horse Town" is fucking awful (Elton attempts to hit the high notes and completely fails--plus he hits wrong notes throughout the song), "Better Off Dead" doesn't sound too hot, "Rocket Man" is terrible (Elton can't sustain notes), "Philadelphia Freedom" is bad (Elton doesn't hit anything above an Ab4), "Burn Down The Mission is OK, "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" is alright, "Paris" actually sounds good, "Restless" is alright, "Bennie And The Jets" isn't the best, "Cry To Heaven" is actually his best performance on the entire show, "This Town" and "Nikita" are both pretty good, "I'm Still Standing" has Elton not knowing where he is during the song, the worst version of "Wrap Her Up" is performed on this show, "Candle In The Wind" is OK (despite random lyrics), "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" is decent, "Your Song" is decent, and "Can I Get A Witness" doesn't sound too bad!

Note 1: Elton hesitates on his speeches/song introductions throughout the show! Kids, don't do drugs!

Note 2: The "I'm Still Standing" from this show has the slowest tempo out of all the 1985-1986 versions! I guess having all that "green stuff" makes the tempos sensible!

Note 3: Elton most likely had the munchies during this show--which explains the picture! Elton flew to Australia after this show (since that picture was taken in Australia), and stuffed his face with peas and pastries! He also ordered a side of Walls Pork Sausages, and a glass of Elton Juice!

Note 4: "Song For Guy" sounds awesome on this show!

Note 5: During the medley, something goes wrong with the sound set-up. Going off the audio, it sounds like the MIDI keyboard on Elton's piano wasn't working properly: He starts playing "Blue Eyes" using the SAME SOUND as "Song For You" (an electric piano), stops the song, then restarts the song with his real Steinway piano!

Note 6: Thank you to Elton Bootlegs for buying this show, and sending me a copy!

- Greg, GregsynthWizard