2 album covers in our archive
Elton John is featured in Behind the Covers' archive with 2 album covers from the 1970s. Released across DJM Records (UK) / MCA Records (US) and DJM Records labels, the artwork sits in the rock tradition. Each cover is documented in our archive with design notes covering illustration, psychedelic, surreal, iconic, hand drawn, triptych. Below you'll find the full story behind each Elton John cover — designers, photographers, label history, and the visual choices that defined the release.
Alan Aldridge's airbrush masterpiece drew inspiration from Hieronymus Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights. Created with Harry Willock, the psychedelic artwork surrounds Elton John with mythical creatures in vivid detail.
Ian Beck's watercolor artwork depicting Elton John stepping through a poster into the yellow brick road became one of rock's most iconic covers. The triptych design featured individual illustrations for each song and was inspired by 1930s Hollywood glamour and Art Deco aesthetics.
