Elton John – Regimental Sgt. Zippo
Regimental Sgt. Zippo is a fascinating Record Store Day release from 2021, presenting the debut album Elton John recorded in 1967 and 1968 — but which was never officially released at the time. Often described as “the debut album that never was”, this mono LP offers a rare glimpse into Elton John’s earliest creative period, before his breakthrough with Empty Sky and Elton John.
Recorded at Dick James Studios in London, the album captures a young Elton John exploring the colourful sounds of late-1960s British pop and psychedelic rock. The music reflects the era’s imagination, with harpsichord, organ, orchestral touches and melodic songwriting that already hints at the artist he would soon become.
The album includes early Elton John and Bernie Taupin compositions such as When I Was Tealby Abbey, Turn to Me, A Dandelion Dies in the Wind, Tartan Coloured Lady and the title track Regimental Sgt. Zippo. It also features songs co-written with Caleb Quaye, who produced the recordings and contributed guitar, flute, vocal percussion and backing vocals.
This 2021 Record Store Day “RSD First” edition was released worldwide in mono and pressed in a limited run of 7,000 copies. The 2021 mixes were handled by John Barrett, with lacquer cutting by Sean Magee at Abbey Road Studios. The result is a beautifully presented archival release that finally gives this lost early chapter of Elton John’s career its proper place on vinyl.
For collectors, Regimental Sgt. Zippo is more than just an Elton John rarity. It is a window into the late-1960s London studio scene, the early partnership between Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and the musical imagination that would soon develop into one of the most successful careers in popular music.
This edition is especially recommended for collectors of Record Store Day releases, early Elton John recordings, British psychedelic pop and essential archival vinyl editions.
Record details
Artist: Elton John
Title: Regimental Sgt. Zippo
Label: Rocket Entertainment / EMI / UMC / DJM Records
Catalogue number: 0602435557878 / RSDRSZ2021
Format: Vinyl LP, Album, Record Store Day, Mono
Country: Worldwide
Released: June 12, 2021
Genre: Rock / Pop
Style: Psychedelic Rock / Pop Rock
Edition: Record Store Day 2021 “RSD First” release
Limited pressing: 7,000 copies
Recorded: Dick James Studios, London, 1967–1968
Remixed: Abbey Road Studios
Lacquer cut by: Sean Magee
Includes: Download card