Elton John Depicted On British Postage Stamps

Amid the fanfare surrounding Elton John’s ongoing farewell tour and the recent Rocketman biopic comes another tribute to the iconic singer.

Britain’s Royal Mail today issued 12 postage stamps to commemorate John, the latest musical act to be depicted on U.K. stamps in the last couple of years. 

“To say I was surprised when Royal Mail got in touch, is an understatement,” said John in a press release. “Never did I think I’d appear on a stamp…! It’s wonderful, a great honour.”

Eight of the Elton John stamps depict covers from some of his popular albums in his long career: 

Honky Château (1972). John’s fifth studio album, it features the tracks “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters,” “Honky Cat,” and the classic “Rocket Man.”

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973): The singer’s double-album opus, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road contains several of his most beloved songs: the title track, “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and “Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding.”

Caribou (1974). Another hit album for John, Caribou features two of his classic songs, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” and “The Bitch Is Back.”

Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975). In the liner notes on the 1990 Elton John box set …To Be Continued, lyricist Bernie Taupin considered this semi-autobiographical record to be the finest the songwriting duo has ever made. Its best-known song is “Someone Saved My Life Tonight.”

Sleeping With the Past (1989). John concluded the Eighties with this record, featuring “Healing Hands,” “Sacrifice,” and “Club at the End of the Street.”

The One (1992). With a cover designed by the late Gianni Versace, John returned with more singles in “Simple Life,” the title track, and “Runaway Train” (a duet with Eric Clapton).

Made in England (1995). Released after the massive success of The Lion King soundtrack the year before, Made In England yielded singles in “Believe,” the title song, and “Blessed.”

Songs From the West Coast (2001). Recalling the sound of the best of his ’70s albums, this record contains “I Want Love” and “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore.”

Four other stamps in a miniature sheet highlight John in performance at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1973; Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium in 1975; Buckingham Palace in 2012; and New York’s Madison Square Garden from last year.

Other products associated with the new stamp releases include first-day-of-issue covers and framed prints.

“Elton is one of the most successful British solo artists of all time,” said Philip Parker, head of stamp strategy at Royal Mail, in a news release. “He has recorded some of the best-known songs in pop history such as “Candle in the Wind” and “Rocket Man.” Our stamps issued today showcase some of his most iconic albums, and celebrate his fantastic musical contribution.”

Previous Royal Mail stamps that have honored legendary British musical acts include the Beatles in 2007; Pink Floyd in 2016; and David Bowie in 2017.

Meanwhile, John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour continues to roll on and will conclude on December 16, 2020 at the O2 in London. His new memoir, Me, is scheduled to be published next month by Henry Holt and Co.