See 50 years of iconic performances (and wild outfits) from Rocketman inspiration Elton John

By EW Staff
May 31, 2019 at 11:38 PM EDT

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1970

Jack Robinson/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Elton John debuted his first studio album, Empty Sky, in the U.K. in 1969. Fifty years later, the subject of his own biopic, Rocketman, continues to delight new generations with his music. Swipe through to see photos of some of the music icon’s most legendary performances and wild fahion over the last five decades. 

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1971 - Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark

Jorgen Angel/Redferns

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1972 - Top of the Pops

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1972 - Portsmouth Guildhall in the U.K.

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1972 - Berlin

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1973 - Hammersmith Odeon in London

David Redfern/Redferns
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1974 - Watford, England

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1974

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1974 - Inglewood, Calif.

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1974 - Madison Square Garden in New York with John Lennon

Steve Morley/Redferns
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1975 - London

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1975 -In Tommy

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1976 - Wembley Stadium in London

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1977

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1980 - Central Park in New York

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1982 - The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles

Richard E. Aaron/Redferns
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1982 

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1984 - Montreux Rock Festival in Montreux, Switzerland

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1984 - Los Angeles

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1985 - Live Aid in London

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1986 

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1986 - Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles

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1986 - Chicago

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1987 - Prince's Trust Concert in London with George Harrison

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1988

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1989 - Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles with The Who

Ebet Roberts/Redferns
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1992 - Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in London with Axl Rose

Mick Hutson/Redferns
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1994 - Sanremo Music Festival in Sanremo, Italy with RuPaul

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1995 - Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif.

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1997 - Princess Diana's funeral in London

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1998 - Wembley Stadium in London

Hayley Madden/Redferns
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2001 - Grammy Awards with Eminem

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2002 - Grand Slam for Children fundraiser in Las Vegas with Rod Stewart 

Kevin Mazur/WireImage
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2003 - Grand Slam for Children fundraiser in Las Vegas with Sheryl Crow

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2004 - Rainforest Foundation Benefit Concert in New York with Billy Joel and Sting 

Kevin Kane/WireImage
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2005 - CMA Awards with Dolly Parton

Rick Diamond/WireImage
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2006 - Harrah's Entertainment Artists Rally Together benefit concert in Las Vegas with Celine Dion

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2006 - Filming Tony Bennett: An American Classic

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2007 - Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield, U.K.

Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage
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2008 - 200th performance of The Red Piano in Las Vegas 

Denise Truscello/WireImage
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2010 - Grammy Awards 

Kevin Mazur/WireImage
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2010 - Almay Concert to Celebrate the Rainforest Fund in New York with Lady Gaga

Kevin Kane/WireImage
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2012 - Revlon Concert for the Rainforest Fund in New York with Channing Tatum 

Kevin Mazur/WireImage
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2013 - Grammy Awards with Ed Sheeran

Kevin Winter/WireImage