The Gorilla Suit Incident — Elton John Crashes Iggy Pop’s Show in Atlanta

 

In mid-October 1973, during a series of performances at Richard’s Club in Midtown Atlanta, Elton John pulled off one of rock’s most legendary pranks. A huge fan of Iggy Pop and The Stooges, Elton decided to surprise the band by dressing up in a gorilla suit and “crashing” the stage during their set.

The plan was hatched with the help of journalists from Creem Elton John Magazines Vintageine, who were covering the tour. Elton borrowed a worn-out gorilla costume—which he later described as “the smelliest gorilla suit you could imagine”—and prepared for the stunt.

At the first show, Elton simply enjoyed the performance. But during the second or possibly third night of the residency (most sources point to October 9 or 10), Elton appeared on stage in the gorilla outfit. Iggy Pop, who was heavily under the influence of drugs—including acid, quaaludes, and reportedly even an injection of methadrine to get on stage—was genuinely terrified. Believing the gorilla was real, he thought he was being attacked by “Billy Bob,” someone out to kill him.

The tension eased only when James Williamson, guitarist of The Stooges, pointed out the costume, giving Elton time to reveal himself. Elton then took Iggy in his arms and carried him on stage. The crowd erupted in laughter, and Iggy later said Elton was “a cool guy.”

Elton humorously summarized the event: “It was the smelliest gorilla suit… I thought it was brilliant — but it kind of went wrong.”

Despite the initial shock, this episode remains one of the most absurd and memorable moments in 1970s rock history.

sources:
Dangerous Minds: https://dangerousminds.net/comments/that_time_elton_john_crashed_a_stooges_show_wearing_a_gorilla_outfit

Far Out Magazine: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/when-elton-john-crashed-iggy-pop-concert-dressed-as-gorilla

Radio X: https://www.radiox.co.uk/news/music/iggy-pop-elton-john-gorilla-prank-1973/

Ultimate Classic Rock: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/elton-john-iggy-pop-gorilla/

Rolling Stone Brazil: https://rollingstone.com.br/noticia/vez-em-que-elton-john-se-fantasiou-de-gorila-para-assustar-um-iggy-pop-doidao-em-1973/

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