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Elton John (May 1973) Shows Off - 2 Pages

  • May 1, 1973
  • 2 min read
Elton John wearing “ZOOM!” glasses in front of his gold records — Circus, May 1973.
Elton John wearing “ZOOM!” glasses in front of his gold records — Circus, May 1973.

Publication: Circus Magazine

Date: May 1973

Country: USA Section / Pages: Feature Spread (2 pages) Photographer: Chris Walter

Writer: John Halsall Format: Two‑page feature


Overview  

A playful Circus feature capturing Elton John at home, surrounded by gold records and eccentric décor.


The headline — “Elton Shows Off His Mini‑Palace” — sets the tone for a humorous look at his lavish lifestyle and taste for flamboyant detail. The opening image shows Elton wearing oversized “ZOOM!” glasses, posing proudly before his wall of gold discs. The accompanying text teases his extravagant bathroom renovation, reportedly costing $25,000, and invites readers to “Ask Elton John!” about such indulgence.

The piece blends Circus’s trademark pop‑culture wit with Elton’s self‑aware theatricality, presenting him as both superstar and eccentric collector.

  

 Elton John relaxing in his marble bath, Circus Magazine, May 1973.
 Elton John relaxing in his marble bath, Circus Magazine, May 1973.

The second page continues the theme of domestic opulence. Elton reclines in a sunken marble bath, surrounded by ornate wallpaper, bookshelves, and a framed French poster reading Journal Politique Indépendant.

Inset photography highlights his collection of novelty spectacles — including a pair fitted with battery‑powered windshield wipers.

The article describes his home on the Wentworth Estate, part of England’s “stockbroker belt,” alongside other rock luminaries such as John Lennon, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Rod Stewart, and Donovan.

It notes his neighbour Keith Moon, whose presence allegedly raised Elton’s insurance premiums.

The feature closes with Elton’s creative routine: after showing off his home to photographer Chris Walter, he departed for Jamaica’s Terra Nova Hotel, where he wrote five new songs for his upcoming album before touring the United States that summer.

Publication Details

  • Circus Magazine (USA)

  • Issue: May 1973

  • Feature Title: “Elton Shows Off His Mini‑Palace”

  • Writer: John Halsall

  • Photographer: Chris Walter

  • Pages: 2 (Feature Spread)


All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.


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