Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall has hosted some pretty big names over its 35 year history but perhaps none have quite matched the super stardom of the first act to grace the stage on opening night.
Sir Elton John opened the venue in November 1982 with two intimate sell-out concerts on the 27 and 28 - when he played to just 2,500 fans a night.
During the afternoon, he’d been at the City Ground watching his beloved Watford beat Forest 4-2, something he mentioned during the first show at the city’s new £12m venue, which the Post reported as “one of the greatest events in the city’s proud history”.
Before the first show the superstar went walkabout among hundreds of fans and officially opened the venue by switching on a controversial £40,000 neon sculpture - which some described as looking like "pieces of scaffolding."
But Elton loved the sculpture and after pressing a lever to switch on the kaleidoscope of colour he declared it was “great” adding, “Usually you get a piece of boring old stone.”
He then thrilled two capacity audiences – some of whom had queued more than 24 hours to get their hands on a ticket – by performing some of his best known hits while wearing an 'outrageous military’ uniform.
Songs from the setlist included Pinball Wizard, Blue Eyes, Song For Guy, Daniel, Saturday Night's All Right For Fighting and The Beatles' Twist and Shout.
Other stars to appear within the first year included Dire Straits, The Kinks, Haircut 100, Elvis Costello, Leo Sayer, The Stranglers and Ultravox.
Are you looking for a job in Nottingham? Check out our jobs listings here.
The Post has launched a Whatsapp group to help you keep up to date with the latest news. If you'd like to receive one daily message with the main headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07790 586202. Then add the number to your phone contacts book as 'Nottingham Post'. Your phone number won't be shared with other members of the group
