🔘 Pinball Wizard – Single (Re‑Release): Nov. 1976

Label: Mercury Records

Catalogue Number: 6160 006

Format: 7" Maxi‑Single

Released: November 19, 1976 (UK)

Elton John’s explosive Tommy‑era performance reissued as a UK maxi‑single — backed with Harmony.

Issued on Mercury, this re‑release capitalised on the enduring popularity of Elton’s show‑stopping appearance in the 1975 film adaptation of Tommy.

🔘 Overview

Pinball Wizard was re‑released on November 19, 1976 as a UK 7" maxi‑single on Mercury Records. This edition followed the earlier DJM issue and presented Elton John’s high‑energy, glam‑charged reinterpretation of The Who’s classic in a new catalogue context.

The B‑side, Harmony, retained its place from the original pairing, offering a warm, melodic contrast to the A‑side’s theatrical bombast. Mercury 6160 006 was issued exclusively in the UK and stands as a notable alternate‑label pressing for collectors.

🔘 Track List (Common Configurations)

7" Maxi‑Single — 6160 006

A. Pinball Wizard

B. Harmony

Written by: Pete Townshend (A) / Elton John, Bernie Taupin (B)

Produced by: Gus Dudgeon

🔘 Release Details

Label: Mercury Records

Formats: 7" Maxi‑Single

Country: UK

Year: 1976

Notes:

- 1976 Mercury re‑release of Elton’s Tommy performance

- B‑side from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

- Alternate‑label issue following the DJM original

- Did not chart in the UK

🔘 Variants (Discogs‑Verified)

Variant 1

UK – Mercury – 6160 006 (1976)

Format: 7" Maxi‑Single (Paper Label)

Variant 2

UK – Mercury – 6160 006 (1976)

Format: 7" Maxi‑Single (Injection‑moulded label, select pressings)

🔘 Chart Data (BBC / Official Charts Company)

Peak Position: UK — No Chart Entry

Weeks on Chart: —

Chart Run (Official Charts):

No UK chart position recorded.

🔘 Context & Notes

Recording Notes

A flamboyant, piano‑driven reimagining — Elton amplifies The Who’s original with glam‑rock sheen and theatrical flair.

Collector Notes

Mercury 6160 006 is prized as an alternate‑label pressing. Paper‑label copies are the most desirable.

Legacy

A fan‑favourite Elton moment — bold, exuberant, and forever tied to his iconic Tommy performance.

🔘 Related Material

Previous Single

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (1976)

Next Single

Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (1976)

🔘 Discography (Selected, Chronological)

Pinball Wizard — 1976

Harmony — 1973

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

1975 — Elton performs Pinball Wizard in Tommy

Nov. 19, 1976 — UK Mercury re‑release issued

🔘 Glam Flashback

Elton at full tilt — dazzling, loud, and gloriously theatrical.

🔘 Sources

Mercury Records

Discogs

Official Charts Company

Elton John archival documentation