Elton John's music is honoured with special Royal Mail stamp collection

3 September 2019, 12:52 | Updated: 16 January 2024, 11:35

Elton John receives new honour with his own Royal Mail stamp collection
Elton John receives new honour with his own Royal Mail stamp collection. Picture: PA

By Rory O'Connor

Sir Elton John fans may start to see a lot more of their favourite artist after it was revealed Royal Mail are launching a collection of stamps with Elton's face on them.

While Queen Elizabeth II may be who the public are used to seeing, Elton will become only the second solo artist to be bestowed with the honour.

David Bowie was the first solo artist to receive a collection of stamps in 2017.

The new stamps will celebrate Elton's music, with eight of the new stamps featuring images of his most popular album covers.

Elton John's Royal Mail stamp collection
Elton John's Royal Mail stamp collection. Picture: Royal Mail
One of Royal Mail's new Elton John stamps
One of Royal Mail's new Elton John stamps. Picture: Royal Mail

Elton said: "To say I was surprised when Royal Mail got in touch is an understatement.

"Never did I think I’d appear on a stamp! It’s wonderful, a great honour."

Quiz: How much of an Elton John fan are you?

Royal Mail's Philip Parker said: "Elton is one of the most successful British solo artists of all time.

"He has recorded some of the best-known songs in pop history such as 'Candle In The Wind' and 'Rocket Man'.

Elton John's Buckingham Palace stamp
Elton John's Buckingham Palace stamp. Picture: Royal Mail
Elton John's Madison Square Garden stamp
Elton John's Madison Square Garden stamp. Picture: Royal Mail

"Our stamps issued today showcase some of his most iconic albums, and celebrate his fantastic musical contribution."

The stamps feature albums including Honky Chateau, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Caribou.

Four other stamps are available in a miniature sheet to celebrate Elton’s live performances, such as his Hammersmith Odeon appearance in London in 1973.

The miniature stamps also show Elton at his show at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in 1975, the Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace in London in 2012, and his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour at Madison Square Garden in New York in 2018.

The stamps and a range of collectable products are available now.