Courtesy of DawBellA rare U.K. TV performance featuring Elton John and his famous backing band playing his classic 1973 holiday single “Step into Christmas” was rediscovered recently and premiered Friday on the pop-rock legend’s official YouTube channel. The footage hails from a December 22, 1973, appearance on the Gilbert O’Sullivan: Welcome to My Show variety program, which was broadcast on the U.K.’s ITV network.
The video shows Elton, wearing a glammed-up outfit adorned with white ostrich feathers, accompanied by guitarist Davey Johnstone, drummer Nigel Olsson and late bassist Dee Murray, as well as his longtime lyricist, Bernie Taupin, who joins in on percussion.
Coinciding with the clip’s premiere, Elton has released a digital holiday EP featuring his original version of “Step into Christmas,” the audio track from the television performance of the tune, and the 1973 single’s B-side, “Ho! Ho! Ho! (Who’d Be a Turkey at Christmas).” The EP is available now via the usual digital and streaming outlets.
“Step into Christmas” reached #11 on the U.K. singles chart back in ’73, although it didn’t chart in the U.S. It’s also has appeared on several Elton compilations over the years, including the deluxe edition of last year’s Diamonds.
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