Rare Elton John 8mm Film Footage

 

This page is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of rare 8mm film footage documenting Elton John across different stages of his career. Shot primarily on amateur and semi-professional 8mm film, these recordings capture moments that were never intended for mass broadcast, offering an intimate and historically valuable perspective on one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century.

The footage featured here includes behind-the-scenes material, informal performances, rehearsal excerpts, tour environments, and candid moments filmed by crew members, associates, and contemporaries. Unlike television appearances or professionally produced concert films, 8mm recordings reflect a raw and immediate visual language, preserving atmosphere, movement, and personality in their most unfiltered form.

8mm film played a crucial role in personal documentation from the 1960s through the early 1980s, and its use within music history provides a unique archival record. In the case of Elton John, these films document not only his musical evolution but also his visual identity, stage presence, and interaction with collaborators and audiences during a transformative period in popular music.

This collection is curated with an emphasis on historical accuracy, contextual integrity, and archival value. Each video is presented as a primary visual source, contributing to a broader understanding of Elton John’s artistic trajectory, public image, and cultural impact. Whenever possible, contextual notes accompany the footage to clarify dates, locations, and circumstances of filming.

The purpose of this page is not only to showcase rare material, but to preserve it as part of a larger audiovisual heritage. These films stand as visual testimony to an era, a medium, and an artist whose influence continues to resonate across generations.

Elton John - Fillmore East 1971

Elton John – Vancouver, April 23, 1971

Elton John’s performance in Vancouver on April 23, 1971, held at the PNE Agrodome, marked his first appearance in the city. At that time, Elton was rising quickly in North America, driven by the success of the albums “Elton John” and “Tumbleweed Connection,” along with his widely praised Troubadour shows in 1970.

The Vancouver concert was part of the promotional tour of that period, highlighting the strength of the compositions by Elton and Bernie Taupin and showing the artistic transition that would soon lead Elton to major arenas. The stage setup followed the stripped-down format of the early 1970s, focused on piano, vocals, and the musical intensity that defined his first live years.

Fan accounts and unofficial records point to a setlist that included titles such as Skyline Pigeon, I Need You to Turn To, Tiny Dancer, Razor Face, Indian Sunset, and Madman Across the Water — songs that represented Elton’s musical identity at the start of the decade. The audience in Vancouver witnessed early versions of songs that would later become widely recognized.

There is a surviving video of this performance, recorded by a fan, although it is silent. Even without audio, the footage shows Elton in a focused and energetic performance, capturing the spontaneity and stage presence typical of his early career.

The April 23, 1971 Vancouver show is remembered by collectors and enthusiasts as an important early document of Elton John’s development. It reflects a moment when he was still establishing his place in the music world but was already displaying the artistic strength and vocal power that would define his path in the decades to come.

Read more:
https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/events-and-entertainment/watch-video-captures-elton-johns-first-ever-performance-in-vancouver-6328278

DODGERS STADIUM 1975

Elton John - Bennie and the Jets - RTL Studios

Footage from RTL Studios, Paris, October 20, 1978.

Elton John - Grey Seal (Boston Garden, 1974)

Elton John - Live in Canada (September 10th,1973) - Super &mm Film

This 8mm film captures Elton's performance at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, Canada in September 1973. The concert was part of his Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tour which took place from Summer 1973 to early 1974. I've synced the film with audio from the

Hollywood Bowl show, recorded three days earlier.

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