Elton John – Live from the Rainbow Theatre with Ray Cooper is now available for the first time on CD and digital platforms, alongside a reissued vinyl edition. Initially released as a limited Record Store Day exclusive, the album captures one of the most intimate and acclaimed performances of Elton’s career, now expanded with a previously unreleased bonus track, “Goodbye.”

Photo Credit: Watal Asanuma / Shinko Music

Recorded during a six-night residency at London’s Rainbow Theatre in May 1977, these stripped-down shows marked a turning point. For the first time in five years, no Elton John single or album was charting, and after nearly a decade of relentless touring, he took a break from the spotlight. Audiences expecting a flamboyant arena set were instead treated to a deeply personal concert that was half performed solo at the piano, and half with master percussionist Ray Cooper.

Photo Credit: Watal Asanuma / Shinko Music

The result is a rare and emotionally resonant live experience. Tracks like “Sweet Painted Lady,” “Idol,” and “Dan Dare” made their live debut, while classic favorites such as “Where To Now St. Peter?” and “Tonight” revealed something newer and deeper. The specific curated 12-song tracklist, handpicked by Elton himself, offers a revealing glimpse into what his career might have looked like had he remained a cult figure rather than becoming a global superstar.

Photo Credit: Watal Asanuma / Shinko Music

Elton reflects: “The freedom I felt playing with just the two of us is something I will always remember.”The release follows the success of Who Believes in Angels?, Elton’s chart-topping collaboration with Brandi Carlile, and adds yet another chapter to his ever-expanding legacy, an artist who, after more than 300 million records sold, continues to surprise and move fans around the world, including us here at V.

Check out the full track list below:

1. The Greatest Discovery
2. Border Song
3. Cage The Songbird
4. Where To Now St. Peter?
5. Ticking
6. Better Off Dead w/Ray Cooper
7. Sweet Painted Lady
8. Tonight w/Ray Cooper
9. Idol w/Ray Cooper
10. I Feel Like A Bullet (In The Gun Of Robert Ford) w/Ray Cooper
11. Roy Rogers
12. Dan Dare (Pilot Of The Future)
13. Goodbye*