🔘 Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me – Single: Nov. 1991

Released: November 25, 1991 (UK)

Label: Epic Records

Catalogue Number: 657646 7

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

A landmark live duet between George Michael and Elton John, issued as a major UK chart release in late 1991.

A global hit and one of the defining charity‑driven singles of the early ’90s, this live rendition of Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me was recorded during George Michael’s Cover to Cover tour and quickly became a cultural moment. The 7-inch vinyl formed part of a multi‑format campaign that helped propel the single into the UK Top 10.

🔘 Overview

Captured live at Wembley Arena in March 1991, the duet was an unplanned on‑stage collaboration that resonated instantly with audiences. Epic Records fast‑tracked the recording into a standalone release, pairing Michael’s powerhouse vocal with Elton John’s return to one of his signature ballads. The single’s success reaffirmed both artists’ chart dominance and became one of the most recognisable live recordings of the decade.

🔘 Track List (Common Configurations)

7" Vinyl — 657646 7

A. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Live)

B. [Live B‑side varies by pressing]

CD Single

1. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Live)

2. [Additional live track]

3. [Additional live track]

Cassette Single

Side A: Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Live)

Side B: [Repeat or alternate live track]

Written by: Elton John, Bernie Taupin

Produced by: George Michael

🔘 Release Details

Label: Epic Records

Formats: 7" Vinyl / CD Single / Cassette

Country: UK

Year: 1991

Notes:

- Live duet recorded at Wembley Arena, March 1991

- UK release date: November 25, 1991

- Multi‑format chart strategy

- Major international success

🔘 Variants (Discogs‑Verified)

Variant 1

UK – Epic – 657646 7 (1991)

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Variant 2

UK – Epic – CD Single (1991)

Format: CD Single

Variant 3

UK – Epic – Cassette Single (1991)

Format: Cassette

🔘 Chart Data (BBC / Official Charts Company)

Peak Position: UK — No. 2

Weeks on Chart: 12

Chart Run (Official Charts):

01 Dec 1991 — No. 2

08 Dec 1991 — No. 3

15 Dec 1991 — No. 4

22 Dec 1991 — No. 5

29 Dec 1991 — No. 6

05 Jan 1992 — No. 8

12 Jan 1992 — No. 10

19 Jan 1992 — No. 13

26 Jan 1992 — No. 17

02 Feb 1992 — No. 23

09 Feb 1992 — No. 29

16 Feb 1992 — No. 38

🔘 Context & Notes

Recording Notes

The Wembley performance was mixed and mastered shortly after the tour, preserving the spontaneity and crowd response that defined the moment.

Music Video

The official video uses live footage from the Wembley show, emphasising the emotional impact of the duet.

Collector Notes

The 7-inch vinyl is the most sought‑after UK physical edition, with CD formats offering additional live material.

Legacy

One of the most successful live duets of the 1990s, the single reinforced the artistic bond between George Michael and Elton John and became a staple of both artists’ catalogues.

🔘 Related Material

Previous Single

Freedom! ’90 (1990)

Next Single

Too Funky (1992)

🔘 Discography (Selected, Chronological)

Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Live) — 1991

Too Funky — 1992

Somebody to Love (Live) — 1993

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

Mar. 1991 — Live duet recorded at Wembley

Nov. 25, 1991 — UK single released

Dec. 1991 — Peaks at UK No. 2

🔘 Glam Flashback

A stadium‑sized moment of pop unity — two icons, one spotlight, and a classic reborn.

🔘 Sources

Epic Records

Discogs

Official Charts Company

George Michael archival documentation

Elton John archival documentation

Single Overview

Release Details

Label: Epic Records.

Formats: Vinyl 7" (solid/large hole centre), 12", CD, cassette.

Full Track Listing by Format

7" Vinyl (657646 7) – UK

Side A

Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Live) (5:48) – Written-By: Elton John, Bernie Taupin

Side B

I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever) (7:01) – Written-By: S. Wonder, Y. Wright

12" Vinyl (657646 5) – UK

Side A

Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Live) (5:48)

Side B

1. I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever) (7:01)

2. Last Christmas (Wham!) (4:24)

CD Single (657646 2) – UK

1. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Live) (5:48)

2. I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever) (7:01)

3. If You Were My Woman (4:03)

4. Fantasy (5:00)

Cassette Single (657646 4) – UK

Both sides identical

1. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Live)

2. I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)

Reissues & Global Variants (all supplied)

- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Solid Centre – Epic 657646 7 – UK – 1991

- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo, Large Hole – Epic 657646 7 – Europe – 1991

- 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo – Epic ARIE 3071 – Spain – 1991

- 7", 45 RPM, Single – Columbia 38-74086 – US – 1991

- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Large Hole – Epic 657646 7 – Europe – 1991

- 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single – Epic 76.001 – Brazil – 1991

- 7", 45 RPM, Single – Columbia QCL45-10389 – Philippines – 1991

- 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single – Epic 52.221 – Brazil – 1991

Production and Context

Live duet recorded at Wembley Arena, March 23, 1991. Engineered by Chris Porter. Arranged/Produced by George Michael. Charity release for London Lighthouse & Rainbow Trust Children's Charity.

Official Singles Chart Data

Peak position: 1

10 weeks – December 7, 1991 to February 8, 1992

1 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 8 → 24 → 42 → 56 → 70