Elton John Named ‘Icon of 2024’
Elton John’s extraordinary career in music and beyond has earned him the honour of being named ‘Icon of the Year’ for 2024 by TIME Magazine.
To mark the occasion, Miles Aldridge was asked to photograph Sir Elton at his home in Windsor. In this fun photobooth-style shoot, Aldridge asked Elton to play with various props, from the Pop to the profound, to symbolise Elton’s rich and varied life and career. Aldridge’s signature style and colour palette shines through in these images, with the bright pink blazer and pastel glasses against the striking orange curtain.
Celebrating over six decades of artistic brilliance, this accolade highlights not only his lasting impact on the music industry but also his profound contributions to philanthropy and activism. Throughout the years, Elton John has built a legacy of unparalleled achievements that cement his legendary status. His transformation from a flamboyant performer, renowned for his bold costumes and lavish lifestyle, to a devoted father and dedicated philanthropist is a testament to his remarkable personal and professional growth.
The TIME article also features Terry O’Neill’s celebrated photograph of Sir Elton performing at Dodger Stadium (LA). In 1975, the year this photograph was taken, Elton John dominated the international music scene. He made history by having not one, but two albums, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy and Rock of the Westies, debut at the top of the Billboard charts. His US tour in October of that year was a resounding success, and was particularly memorable for two sold-out shows at the baseball stadium in Los Angeles.
On being asked to photograph Sir Elton for TIME, Miles Aldridge remarks that “In 1975, my father, Alan Aldridge, created the iconic cover artwork for Elton’s album, Captain Fantastic”. Bridging two generations of creativity, the Aldridge’s have come full circle to celebrate Sir Elton’s supreme talent and enduring legacy. Both artist’s sharing the superstar’s bold, surreal and colourful flair.
