AM Hucks: Alleged Elton Fan Has Rocky Memory

So, what’s a Republican sheriff from conservative Kootenai County doing at a college several hours away listening to a concert by the Rocket Man? In a coupla words – thoroughly enjoying himself. However, Sheriff Rocky Watson prefers to say that he “enjoyed an evening with an English knight,” rather than admit he listened to three hours of Elton John live on the University of Montana campus last week in Missoula. Along with a sellout crowd. Rocky told Huckleberries that he relishes live entertainment and John’s music. But he couldn’t name a specific John song when pressed. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”? Nothing. “Candle in the Wind”? Nada. “Crocodile Rock”? They do? Rocky needs you to hum a few bars before he recognizes the tune. And John did just that. For three hours straight. Without a break. Rocky was impressed with the performer’s energy. He knows whereof he speaks because he’s seen concerts by other aging, top-flight performers, including Neil Diamond, Cher and Tina Turner. He knows that entertainers can visibly tire on stage. John didn’t tire. Accompanied by his former undersheriff, Gary Cuff, and Gary’s wife, Susan, Rocky and wife, Mary, had seats above the auditorium floor, where listeners stood on their feet for all but three songs. Rocky confirmed that he stuffed his ears with paper towels to reduce the volume of the music to an acceptable level but denied he shed a tear during John’s rendition of the Marilyn Monroe/Princess Diana tribute “Candle in the Wind.” But he did tell Huckleberries that he was careful not to jump to his feet and cheer John’s exceptional performance because he was afraid his legs would give out after they fell asleep.