Elton John, the globally acclaimed musician, has been an icon in the music industry for decades. His flamboyant style and unforgettable melodies have captivated audiences worldwide. Beyond his music, Elton John’s personal journey, particularly his public acknowledgment of his sexuality, has also been a significant part of his narrative. Understanding When Did Elton John Come Out is crucial to appreciating his impact on both music and LGBTQ+ representation.
In 1976, Elton John gave an interview to Rolling Stone magazine that subtly yet significantly addressed his sexuality. Published in the October 7th, 1976 issue, this interview marks a watershed moment, even if it wasn’t a full “coming out” in the contemporary sense.
Elton John graces the cover of Rolling Stone in October 1976, a photograph by David Nutter, capturing a moment of introspection before a public discussion about his personal life.
The interview, conducted by a Rolling Stone journalist in Elton’s hotel suite, delves into various aspects of his life, from his recent Madison Square Garden performance and thoughts on retiring from touring to his creative process and personal struggles with fame. It’s within this candid conversation that the topic of his sexuality emerges, not as a planned announcement, but as a part of a broader discussion about intimacy and personal life.
“There’s nothing wrong with going to bed with somebody of your own sex,” Elton John stated in the interview. “I think everybody’s bisexual to a certain degree. I don’t think it’s just me. It’s not a bad thing to be. I think you’re bisexual. I think everybody is.”
This statement, though nuanced, was groundbreaking for its time. In 1976, the LGBTQ+ rights movement was still gaining momentum, and societal attitudes towards homosexuality were far less accepting than they are today. For a global superstar like Elton John to openly discuss bisexuality in a major publication like Rolling Stone was a bold step.
A candid moment captured during Elton John’s 1976 Rolling Stone interview, showcasing his openness in discussing personal topics with the journalist.
While Elton John didn’t explicitly declare himself “gay” in this 1976 interview, his acknowledgment of bisexuality was widely interpreted as a public declaration of being something other than heterosexual. The phrasing “coming out” itself has evolved over time, and in the context of the 1970s, Elton John’s words were a significant step towards public visibility.
The interview reveals a man grappling with fame, loneliness, and a desire for personal connection. He speaks of craving love and affection, expressing a sense of isolation despite his global stardom. This vulnerability, combined with his comments on bisexuality, offered a more intimate and honest portrayal of Elton John than the public had seen before.
“My sexual life? Um, I haven’t met anybody I would like to have any big scenes with. It’s strange that I haven’t. I know everyone should have a certain amount of sex, and I do, but that’s it, and I desperately would like to have an affair. I crave to be loved. That’s the part of my life I want to have come together in the next two or three years and it’s partly why I’m quitting the road. My life in the last six years has been a Disney film and now I have to have a person in my life. I have to — Let me be brutally honest about myself. I get depressed easily. Very bad moods. I don’t think anyone knows the real me. I don’t even think I do.”
These words demonstrate a deep introspection and a yearning for genuine connection beyond the superficiality of fame. His discussion of sexuality is interwoven with this broader emotional landscape, making it a deeply personal and revealing moment in the interview.
Elton John, the piano virtuoso, in his element. His music and performances are central to his identity, yet the 1976 interview unveiled deeper personal aspects.
Following the 1976 Rolling Stone interview, there was a mix of reactions. While some segments of the public and media were surprised, the music industry largely remained supportive of Elton John. His fanbase, known for its diversity and acceptance, also continued to embrace him. In the years that followed, Elton John’s career continued to soar, solidifying his status as a music legend.
It’s important to note that Elton John’s journey of self-discovery and public acknowledgment of his sexuality was not a single event but a process. While the 1976 Rolling Stone interview is a crucial milestone, he would later identify as gay. In a 1992 interview with Rolling Stone, he more definitively stated, “I am gay.” This later declaration came after years of navigating the complexities of fame and personal identity in the public eye.
Looking back, the 1976 Rolling Stone interview holds significant historical and cultural importance. It represents a moment when a major public figure began to open up about bisexuality, contributing to a broader conversation about sexual identity and acceptance. For many, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, Elton John’s willingness to discuss his sexuality, even in nuanced terms, was a powerful and validating moment.
The cover of Rolling Stone from October 7, 1976, a historical artifact marking the issue where Elton John’s groundbreaking interview was published.
In conclusion, while the exact date when did Elton John come out can be debated depending on the definition, the Rolling Stone interview published on October 7, 1976, stands as a pivotal moment. It was in this interview that Elton John first publicly addressed his bisexuality, marking a significant step towards greater openness about his sexuality and contributing to a broader cultural shift towards LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance. This interview remains a landmark in music history and LGBTQ+ history, underscoring the courage and impact of Elton John’s journey.
