Did Elton John play in a band before becoming famous?

Yes, before his solo career as Elton John, Reginald Dwight played keyboards for the band Simon Dupree & The Big Sound in 1967.

What was Elton John's salary when he first played with Derek Shulman's band?

Reginald Dwight was paid £25-30 per week, a significant increase from his previous earnings.

What song did Elton John write for Simon Dupree & The Big Sound?

Elton John, as Reg Dwight, wrote a song called 'I'm Coming Home' for the band, which was recorded but unreleased.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Derek Shulman Recalls Elton John's Early Days as 'Reg Dwight'

Derek Shulman Recalls Elton John's Early Days as 'Reg Dwight'

2 Dec, 2025

•

Summary

Elton John, then Reg Dwight, played keyboards for Derek Shulman's band in 1967.
Dwight was paid £25-30 per week, significantly more than his previous earnings.
He also proposed writing a song for the band, which was later recorded as 'I'm Coming Home'.

Derek Shulman Recalls Elton John's Early Days as 'Reg Dwight'

Derek Shulman, former frontman of the U.K. prog-rock band Gentle Giant, shares a fascinating anecdote from his early career. In his memoir, Shulman reveals that Elton John, then known as Reg Dwight, briefly played keyboards for his band Simon Dupree & The Big Sound in 1967. Dwight was hired for a tour of Scotland when the regular keyboardist fell ill, earning a then-impressive £25-30 weekly. Shulman notes Dwight's immense talent and humble demeanor during this period.

Dwight's contribution extended beyond performing; he also offered to write songs for the band. This led to the recording of 'I'm Coming Home' at Abbey Road studios, though the song was never officially released at the time. Shulman later reconnected with Dwight, who expressed fondness for the lost track, reminiscing about their early tours together. This period underscores the formative experiences of a future music legend.