Elton John – Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy – Signed by Alan Aldridge

Captain Fantastic, released in 1975, has been hailed by many as the best Elton John album ever. It is a concept album that gives an autobiographical glimpse at the struggles John (Captain Fantastic) and Taupin (the Brown Dirt Cowboy) had in the early years of their musical careers in London (from 1967 to 1969). Following his brief from Bernie Taupin, Alan Aldridge took the stories contained within the album and created a complete world of trippy imagery and fantastical creatures surrounding Elton John and his piano, earning Aldridge his second Grammy nomination.

“Alan delivered a visual package beyond my wildest dreams for Captain Fantastic,” said the singer. “Never have I been so pleased with the artwork for an album.”

This illustration could barely fit inside the 12″ format, and has been re-presented by Aldridge in this print at a luscious 18″ square we can better appreciate the wonder of his drawings.