Elton Terry O’neill

Superstar’s specs appeal Most important woman in his life Unseen pic from first shoot in ’72 He’s a racketman

Elton with Harry Nilsson, Ringo Starr, and Paul and Linda Mccartney in 1976. Terry says: “Believe it or not, this was a chance meeting outside a restaurant in Mayfair.” Terry says: “People ask me all the time what my favourite Elton John picture is and I can never really answer. But this one stands out.” IN 45 years photographer-to-thestars Terry O’neill has taken more than 5,000 pictures of Elton John.

And some of them can be seen for the first time here.

Having heard Elton on the radio in 1972, Terry thought he was American.

When he learnt he was from Pinner, North West London, he tracked down the “charming man in rock-star glasses”, and took some informal snaps.

Terry, who also photographed The Beatles, went on to document his change from “a bit shy” to global icon.

He said looking at the images “is like witnessing the evolution of a superstar”. Terry, who calls their friendship With his mum, who he did not speak to for seven years until a reconciliation before she died. In earlier times he was devoted to Sheila, who Terry met “on several occasions.” one of the “most rewarding” of his life added: “I’m thankful Elton was strong enough to beat his demons.”

■ Elton John: The Definitive Portrait, with Unseen Images by Terry O’neill, published by Cassell Illustrated, www.octopusbooks.co.uk Terry says: “When I left, he gave me a cassette. It was extraordinary. He was going to be a big star – no doubt.” With tennis star Billie Jean King at Wimbledon in 1976. The mutual respect was “instant”, Terry says. “They are like brother and sister.”