It’s Sir Elton John to You: Take a Look Back at the Icon’s Most Rock Star Throwbacks as He Turns 79
No one takes a photo like Sir Elton John.
In his 60-plus-year career, the rocker has traveled the globe, performing to sold-out mega-crowds and rubbing elbows with some of the other biggest names in entertainment. He’s become one of the best-selling artists in history, a Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a Knight Bachelor in the U.K. and a household name worldwide. Oh, and did we mention he’s an EGOT winner, too?
As he celebrates his 79th birthday on March 25, 2026, look back on some of Elton John’s most epic throwback photos — like the one above, when he smashed his performance at the famed Hammersmith Odeon in London back in his early days.
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Star Power
Elton John
Credit: Steve Morley/Redferns
John Lennon makes a surprise appearance at the star’s Madison Square Garden show in November 1974 in New York City.
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Big Kiss
Elton John
Credit: Michael Montfort/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Front and center, the legend poses with his tongue out with Ace Frehley, Peter Criss, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley from the rock band Kiss in 1977 in L.A.
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Flying High
Elton John
Credit: Chris Walter/WireImage
No one can outperform the king. John gives his fans a spectacular show — with piano handstands included — like this one from 1974.
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No New Friends
Elton John
Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
The icon gathers with his iconic friends — Cher, Al Wilson and Natalie Cole — at a Wings concert at the Forum in Inglewood, California, in June 1976.
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Style Maker
Elton John
Credit: Victor Crawshaw/Mirrorpix/Getty
Known for his fearless fashion, the star set trends with unique and unforgettable pieces. In this shot from 1973, John is feeling 8-in. platform shoes and his signature round glasses.
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Fan Favorite
Elton John
Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
John is seen here performing “Pinball Wizard” in The Who’s rock opera movie Tommy, which was released in the U.K. on March 26, 1975.
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Hollywood Legend
Elton John
Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
In a key lime green suit adorned with gold stars, John proudly poses with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 23, 1965, in L.A.
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Famous Friends
Elton John
Credit: Bobby Bank/WireImage
Friend Tina Turner supports John at the Tommy movie press conference at the Plaza Hotel on March 18, 1975, in N.Y.C.
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One and Only
Elton John
Credit: SSPL/Getty
Nothing is cooler than this early still of the icon completely unbothered, while listening to music in sparkly glasses and platform boots.
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Rock Star Royals
Elton John
Credit: Michael Putland/Getty
Years before John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998, the singer hangs out with Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon backstage at a benefit concert at the Shaw Theatre in London in 1972.
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Guest Stars
Elton John
Credit: Bettmann/Getty
Bette Midler and John, dressed in elaborate costumes, hug on the set of the Cher show on CBS.
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Anything But Ordinary
Elton John
Credit: Don Preston/The Boston Globe via Getty
Boston is blessed with John and his one-of-a-kind costume choices at the Boston Garden in 1974.
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Sports Soulmates
Elton John
Credit: PL Gould/IMAGES/Getty
The lifelong tennis fan poses with good friend and tennis legend Billie Jean King at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in N.Y.C. in 1975.
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Awards Galore
Elton John
Credit: Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty
Former Beatles rocker Paul McCartney and then-wife Linda show off their awards from the 1978 Capital Radio Music Awards at Grosvenor House in London.
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Colorful Character
Elton John
Credit: TV Times/Future Publishing via Getty
Known for his elaborate onstage outfits, John dons a rainbow of feathers to perform his song “Crocodile Rock” on The Muppet Show in 1977.
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Circle of Friends
Elton John
Credit: Kent Gavin/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty
John, Rod Stewart and his then-wife Alana, and Mark Gero support Liza Minnelli’s opening night show in London at the White Elephant in 1983.
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Friends Forever
Elton John
Credit: Bauer-Griffin/Getty
George Michael and the singer hang out at Live Aid on July 13, 1985, in London.
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Shine Bright
Elton John
Credit: Andre Csillag/Shutterstock
John wears a dazzling custom Dodgers uniform to perform for a sea of fans at Elton John in concert at Dodgers Stadium in 1975 in L.A.
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You Could Never
Elton John
Credit: Dave Hogan/Getty
John and husband David Furnish shut the star’s 50th birthday party down with incredible costumes and even more brilliant wigs.
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Pop Royalty
Elton John and Madonna
Credit: Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty
John duets with Madonna during the Rain Forest Concert at Carnegie Hall in 1998, a few years before their decades-long feud (which officially ended in 2025, the “Like a Virgin” singer shared on Instagram).
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