Fifty years ago, Elton John unleashed Rock Of The Westies, an album that epitomized the raucous spirit of rock 'n' roll. This November 20, the album makes a triumphant return with a 50th Anniversary Edition, set to be unleashed via UMR. Fans can expect a multi-format offering that includes 2LP, 2CD, and 1LP editions, each featuring previously unreleased Piano & Vocal Versions recorded during the original sessions. The remastered tracks from 2017 will finally make their way to CD and digital platforms, fueling a nostalgic fire that every metalhead has felt when rediscovering the classics.
Elton’s tenth studio album, originally released in October 1975, was recorded at the legendary Caribou Ranch in Colorado. Produced by the mastermind Gus Dudgeon, it captures the essence of a band riding high on the waves of mid-'70s success. Elton himself calls it “the most genuine rock and roll record that I’ve ever made,” and who could argue with that? The album dropped just five months after Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, solidifying Elton's reign over the rock scene.
In 1975, Elton was a force to be reckoned with, headlining iconic venues like Wembley Stadium, releasing a barrage of hit singles, and crafting concerts that would define an era. Rock Of The Westies was the proverbial cherry on top, marking his sixth consecutive album to hit Number One in the US, where it remained for three weeks. It didn’t just make waves; it crashed onto the charts, entering the US Billboard 200 at Number One and securing a Top 5 position in the UK Albums Chart.
For the album, Elton brought in a fresh rhythm section featuring Kenny Passarelli on bass and Roger Pope on drums, while iconic keyboardist James Newton Howard and guitarists Caleb Quaye and Davey Johnstone joined the fray. Remarkably, this newly formed band had only been together for a mere 33 days before stepping into the studio. But what they created was nothing short of historical, with heavier drumming and funky bass lines that reshaped Elton's sound into something more experimental and raw.
The 50th Anniversary Edition will present the original album alongside a collection of previously unreleased Piano & Vocal Versions that strip the songs down to their core. These raw takes unveil the true artistry behind the music, showcasing Elton’s piano prowess in all its glory. The Piano & Vocal Version of ‘Street Kids’ is already available, a testament to the album's enduring energy and a reminder of why we fell in love with this music in the first place.
This reissue isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a celebration of rock history. Limited editions will feature stunning colored vinyl and exclusive artwork, ensuring that fans get a piece of the legacy. As Elton reflects on revisiting the album, he emphasizes the pride he feels in the quality of musicianship—a sentiment echoed by fans who continue to worship at the altar of rock.