Elton John marks Rock Of The Westies 50th anniversary on 20 November
Published on 11/05/2026 at 13:18 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Elton John marks the 50th anniversary of Rock Of The Westies with a new edition arriving on 20 November 2026. UMe will issue the reworked album in physical and digital formats.
Elton John’s anniversary edition adds archive recordings
The release will come as a 2LP, 2CD, 1LP and digital collection. An uDiscover Music account identifies previously unreleased piano-and-vocal versions from the original album sessions as the central addition.
The 2LP version uses Sea Blue and Electric Blue vinyl and includes a gatefold sleeve with a 16-page booklet. The 2CD version carries a 24-page booklet with new liner notes and archival imagery, while the 1LP version presents the original album on tri-colour vinyl. The official product display lists the 2LP, tri-colour LP and 2CD editions.
Rock Of The Westies in Elton John’s catalogue
The anniversary edition revisits an album recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado with producer Gus Dudgeon. Its new configurations connect the established album with stripped-back versions built around Elton John’s voice and piano.
The album’s place in the catalogue also gives the 20 November release a clear two-part identity. It preserves the original recording while adding material that presents the songs through a more reduced arrangement. That combination makes the edition a substantial archival release rather than a simple format change.
Piano and voice reshape the expanded album
The expanded editions add piano-and-vocal versions from the original sessions. Street Kids is one of the newly surfaced versions, with the arrangement centred on a long piano figure and John’s vocal.
Dork’s release details also identify piano-and-vocal versions of Island Girl, Grow Some Funk Of Your Own, Hard Luck Story and Feed Me, alongside the medley Yell Help / Wednesday Night / Ugly.
Elton John: what fans in Germany need to know
- Elton John’s 50th anniversary edition of Rock Of The Westies is released on 20 November 2026 through UMe.
- The release arrives in 2LP, 2CD, 1LP and digital formats, with piano-and-vocal recordings in the expanded editions.
- Elton John’s official product listings are at eltonjohn.com.
These links open a search for Elton John on each platform.
Elton John: frequently asked questions
When is the Rock Of The Westies 50th anniversary edition released?
It is released on 20 November 2026 through UMe.
What formats does Elton John’s Rock Of The Westies reissue have?
The edition arrives in 2LP, 2CD, 1LP and digital formats.
Which recordings are added to Elton John’s reissue?
The expanded editions add piano-and-vocal versions from the original sessions, including Street Kids and other album tracks.
