The past couple of years Sir Elton John has been a part of a number of anniversaries as he continued to work his way through his retirement tour.

On March 24 UMe will release a reissue of Sir Elton’s “Honky Chateau” album to commemorate 50 years since the release of the album.

The new release will be available in a double CD, a double LP, and on limited edition Gold vinyl LP.

The double LP includes the original album; plus selected outtakes from the original recording sessions and an eight page booklet featuring photos, memorabilia, and interviews.

The double CD includes the original album, outtakes, eight songs from the Royal Festival Hall performance that debuted songs from the then upcoming album, and a 40 page book of photos, memorabilia, essays, and interviews.

The Limited Edition gold vinyl release is the original album pressed on gold vinyl.

The anniversary package is currently available for pre-order.

The first single from the album “Rocket Man” was debuted at the Royal Festival Hall performance and has been remastered and released along with “Mellow”.


The album was written and recorded at the Château d’Hérouville and included some of Sir Elton’s biggest hits including “Honky Cat”, “Rocket Man”, and Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters”.  The album went on to be certified platinum by the RIAA in the United States and led the parade of six Billboard Album 200 chart toppers.

The track listing for the original “Honky Chateau” album and the Limited Edition gold vinyl album is:
“Honky Cat”
“Mellow”
“I Think I’m Going to Kill Myself”
“Susie (Dramas)”
“Rocket Man”
“Salvation”
“Slave”
“Amy”
“Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters”
“Hercules”

The tracklisting for the double LP:
“Honky Cat”
“Mellow”
“I Think I’m Going to Kill Myself”
“Susie (Dramas)”
“Rocket Man”
“Salvation”
“Slave”
“Amy”
“Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters”
“Hercules”
“Salvation” – session demo
“Susie (Dramas)” – session demo
“Rocket Man” – session demo
“Mellow” – session demo
“Slave” – alternate “fast” version session demo
“Honky Cat” – session demo
“I Think I’m Going to Kill Myself” – session demo
“Hercules” – session demo
“Slave” – session demo

The tracklist for the 2CD 50th Anniversary release:
“Honky Cat”
“Mellow”
“I Think I’m Going to Kill Myself”
“Susie (Dramas)”
“Rocket Man”
“Salvation”
“Slave”
“Amy”
“Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters”
“Hercules”
“Salvation” – session demo
“Susie (Dramas)” – session demo
“Rocket Man” – session demo
“Mellow” – session demo
“Slave” – alternate “fast” version session demo
“Honky Cat” – session demo
“I Think I’m Going to Kill Myself” – session demo
“Hercules” – session demo
“Slave” – session demo
“Susie (Dramas)” – Royal Festival Hall Live
“Salvation” – Royal Festival Hall Live
“Mellow” – Royal Festival Hall Live
“Amy” – Royal Festival Hall Live
“Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” – Royal Festival Hall Live
“Honky Cat” – Royal Festival Hall Live
“Rocket Man” – Royal Festival Hall Live
“Hercules” – Royal Festival Hall Live

feature photo credit: courtesy of UMe