Pinball Wizard

Zoo Freaks, get ready to flip those flippers as we spin "Pinball Wizard" by Elton John from the Caribou album! This track, originally by The Who, was covered by Elton for the 1975 film adaptation of the rock opera Tommy. Fun fact: Elton wasn’t the first choice for the role of the Pinball Wizard. Rod Stewart was offered the part, but Elton, in a sly move, convinced him it was a minor gig and the movie might flop. Rod passed, and Elton stepped in, delivering a performance that became iconic, complete with his larger-than-life platform boots and a piano-shaped pinball machine. The song hit number 7iteralized as a single in the UK in 1976, peaking at number 7, and even though it was only a promotional single in the US, it climbed to number 9 on the Radio & Records airplay chart.

Another cool tidbit comes from Elton John’s official website, which notes that the recording session for "Pinball Wizard" took place on April 19, 1974, at Ramport Studios in London, owned by The Who. Elton rolled up in a Phantom 5 limousine, as Pete Townshend recalled in his autobiography Who I Am, and nailed the track in just four hours. His version swaps the original acoustic guitar for his signature piano, and eagle-eared Zoo Freaks might catch a cheeky nod to The Who’s "I Can’t Explain" in the backing vocals during the guitar solo. Elton’s band, including Davey Johnstone on guitar and Nigel Olsson on drums, brought their A-game, and producer Gus Dudgeon captured the magic. Fans on Reddit’s TheWho community rave about how Elton’s live performances of the song, like at Glastonbury 2023, still get crowds roaring.

Now, let’s talk about how Elton John got his start. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England, Elton was a piano prodigy, snagging a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at age 11. His early days were spent pounding keys in pubs and forming bands like Bluesology in the mid-1960s. The big break came in 1967 when he answered an ad from Liberty Records and met lyricist Bernie Taupin. Their partnership, which kicked off with Elton’s 1969 debut album Empty Sky, has spanned over 30 albums and countless hits. By 1973, with albums like Honky Château and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Elton was a global superstar, blending rock, pop, and flamboyant showmanship that rivaled Elvis Presley. His influence stretches to artists like George Michael and Brandi Carlile, and as one of the first openly gay pop stars, he paved the way for queer artists.

Stay connected with Elton John through his official website, where you can find tour dates and exclusive merch. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Zoo Freaks can also join fan communities like the Elton John Fans Facebook group or check out Elton John Wiki for deep dives into his career. Keep groovin’, Zoo Crew!