Originally released in May 1972, Honky Château was Elton's step into global superstardom, spawning classics such as "Rocket Man," "Honky Cat" and "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters." His 5th studio album ushered in a to-this-day unparalleled hot streak of classic albums, and was the first time he recorded at the now legendary Château d'Hérouville, a residential recording studio situated 25 miles north-west of Paris. It was here where he and Bernie Taupin were to write – and the band subsequently record – some of the biggest global hits of his career. Elton, Bernie and the band - performing together on record for the first time - decamped to the Château for week's pre-production on Honky Château in January 1972. Bernie brought his typewriter; the band set up in the dining room. Bernie would write lyrics at night and leave them on Elton's piano for him to work on in the morning.
50th Anniversary edition contains the original album and a newly created selection of outtakes from the original session tapes. This 2CD format additionally contains eight live recordings from the Royal Festival Hall show in 1972, where the tracks received their live debut, just a few days after being recorded at the Château. Includes a 40-page booklet containing rare photos, memorabilia and an essay featuring interviews from those who were there at the time.
CD1
1 Honky Cat
2 Mellow
3 I Think I'm Going to Kill Myself
4 Susie (Dramas)
5 Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time)
6 Salvation
7 Slave
8 Amy
9 Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
10 Hercules
11 Salvation (Session Demo)
12 Susie (Dramas) (Session Demo)
13 Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time) (Session Demo)
14 Mellow (Session Demo)
15 Slave (Alternate „Fast” Version) (Session Demo)
CD2
1 Honky Cat (Session Demo)
2 I Think I'm Going To Kill Myself (Session Demo)
3 Hercules (Session Demo)
4 Slave (Session Demo)
5 Susie (Dramas) - Live At The Royal Festival Hall, London, UK / 1972
6 Salvation - Live At The Royal Festival Hall, London, UK / 1972
7 Mellow - Live At The Royal Festival Hall, London, UK / 1972
8 Amy - Live At The Royal Festival Hall, London, UK / 1972
9 Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters - Live At The Royal Festival Hall, London, UK / 1972
10 Honky Cat - Live At The Royal Festival Hall, London, UK / 1972
11 Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time) - Live At The Royal Festival Hall, London, UK / 1972
12 Hercules - Live At The Royal Festival Hall, London, UK / 1972
