Why Elton John Used To Take A Polaroid Of Every Stage Before Performing

April 2, 2025

Before each concert, as the lights dimmed and the excitement buzzed through the audience, Elton John had a unique ritual that set him apart from other artists. He would step backstage, Polaroid camera in hand, and capture an image of the stage before he went out to perform. At first glance, this might seem like a simple habit, but for Elton, it was so much more. It was a way to connect with the energy of the night, a moment of reflection, and a source of inspiration before the music filled the arena.

Elton’s journey to stardom was anything but easy. He battled with self-doubt and struggled with the pressures of fame that came rushing in after his first big hits. Each stage he stood on felt different, yet the same. The Polaroid camera became his companion, helping him document the remarkable journey he was on. It was as if taking that photograph allowed him to freeze a moment in time, to embrace the anticipation and the thrill that came with each performance. With every click, he captured not just the stage, but the countless hours of hard work, determination, and hope that led him to that very moment.

One fateful night, during a particularly difficult tour, Elton felt overwhelmed and anxious. Doubts crept into his mind, and he almost considered canceling the show. But as he stepped onto the stage and held up his camera, he looked through the viewfinder and saw not just lights and instruments but the faces of his fans who had come to experience the magic of his music. That simple Polaroid shot became a reminder of his purpose: to share his passion and to uplift those who needed it, just as music had uplifted him. It was a turning point for him, renewing his commitment to performing, to connecting with people, and to persisting against the odds.

With every photograph he took, Elton created a visual diary of his performances. The images represented not only the venues he played in but also the evolution of his music and personal growth. They spoke of resilience—the way he rose above challenges and embraced his talent. In those snapshots, there was humor, joy, and sometimes even pain, but they always reminded him of the importance of staying true to himself and to his fans. Each stage was a platform for sharing his story, and the Polaroids served as tokens of his journey along the way.

As the years went by and Elton’s fame grew, so did his love for what he did. The Polaroid photos became a cherished collection, representing the highs and lows of a life dedicated to music. They reminded him that every performance was a fresh opportunity, a chance to reach out and touch the hearts of people around the world. Even in moments of struggle, he held tight to the belief that music was a powerful force for change—both for himself and for others.

So, each time Elton John stepped onto a stage, he returned to that ritual of taking a Polaroid. It was more than just a picture; it was a symbol of his journey, a celebration of his passion for music, and a tribute to the connection he had with his fans. Through the lens of that camera, he found not just a moment to hold on to, but a reminder that every stage, every note, and every performance was an opportunity to inspire hope and joy in others. As he continued to shine brightly in the music world, he carried those memories with him, propelling him forward into the next chapter of his magnificent journey.