Years Ago Today: The New York Times Calls Elton John 'Wallpaper Music'

A few days before Elton John began his record-setting seven-night run at Madison Square Garden in August 1976, he told New York Times writer Henry Edwards he planned to dial back the most bombastic parts of his live show. In interviews, John said he didn’t want to appear “like Mae West,” while still keeping performances humorous and in “thoroughly bad taste.” The Aug. 10 residency started with a Statue of Liberty-style entrance featuring a silver sequined cape, later swapping to a “more restrained outfit” with gold-trimmed sequins and a Carmen Miranda portrait detail. The article ties the MSG surge to Elton-mania, noting “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” topped the charts throughout August as he chased and ultimately broke the Rolling Stones’ recent MSG record.