Every so often, a performance comes around so captivating that the only thing that can be done is sit back and enjoy the show. Elton John and Billy Joel achieved this at their sold-out concert last night at The Bryce Jordan Center.

Even before the show started, the anticipation in the air was almost as apparent as the fog drifting slowly across the floor. Then, as an orchestrated instrumental piece poured through the speakers, two pianos ascended from the floor of center stage. With lights dimmed, the two piano men took the stage to an eruption of raucous applause.

Mounting their aural arsenal, the pair traded vocals and focus, hammering through some classics, only to climax with "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." A patchwork of purple and teal light, which coincidentally matched John's suit, bathed the stage. This only heightened the emotion heard in the voices of John and Joel, sending ripples through the crowd as an orange light fell onto the audience as the profound refrain boomed.

Each pianist then took time for a solo show, first of which was Sir Elton. Drawing songs from every era of his career, the now middle-aged John performed the songs with the fervor of the younger self that composed them. The most powerful song performed was the semi-local anthem "Philadelphia Freedom," which even saw some of the braver souls in the crowd dancing out of their seats.

This power of persuasion continued through as John performed other classics, such as "Crocodile Rock" and "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues."

Taking the stage almost unseen, Joel cut right into the crowd favorite "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant." The recharged crowd played right into the mesmerizing Joel, whose energy could not be ignored. Joel also matched John's local ties, performing his labor anthem "Allentown."

Joel even reminisced about his previous visits to Penn State. Though he said he was glad to be back, he found it odd to be in the same place with less hair.

"It's not really about having less hair though," Joel said. "It's about getting more head."

At the request of Sue Paterno, Joel even played the rarely done, "This is the Time." Belting out the chorus, Joel quickly disproved his own fears of making a mistake and performed the song flawlessly.

Where John focused more on his melodic ballads, Joel thundered through his loud, energetic songs. Both performers though shared a common enthusiasm, standing to greet the crowd between songs. John even went so far as to sign autographs for fans during breaks.

Those attending the show last night composed an amalgamation of long-time fans and youthful newcomers to the music. Kathryn Orobona (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) admitted to not really desiring to see both performers.

"I really don't like Elton John, but I've liked Billy Joel ever since 'We Didn't Start the Fire,' " Orobona said.

More seasoned fans though went to, and traveled, great lengths to see the show. Ed Nuefer of Williamsport was excited to see the show, even though he had "middle-class seats," as he described them.

"We traveled 50 miles for the show," Neufer said. "I would have gotten better seats, but they were expensive."

Even though those — young and old, parent and child, student and alumni — came with differing preferences, all came expecting a great show. And they were not disappointed.

Collegian staff writer Mike Caggeso contributed to this report.