Elton John & Mick Ronson - Madman Across the Water (1970) With Lyrics!

Although this song became the title track of Elton John's 1971 album "Madman Across the Water," this first version was recorded during the "Tumbleweed Connection" sessions. It featured guitar solos by Mick Ronson of David Bowie's Spiders. It was not released until 1992 when it appeared on the compilation "Rare Masters."

The new (2022) deluxe box set of the "Madman" album provides additional information:
This first version of "Madman Across the Water" was recorded at Trident Studios, London on May 18, 1970. Gus Dudgeon was producing the artist/guitar player Michael Chapman at the time and decided to try recording this song of Elton's with Chapman. Chapman was also working with Mick Ronson at the time, and brought him along. The two of them shortly after this started working with David Bowie. The session was a bit of an experiment, the end result becoming much more heavy rock version than the Rest of the "Tumbleweed" album, and that's why it was shelved at the time. Dudgeon said, "It came out sounding like Led Zeppelin playing Elton John!"

Elton John: Piano & Vocal
Michael Chapman: Acoustic Guitar
Mick Ronson: Electric Guitar
Barry Morgan: Drums
Herbie Flowers: Bass
Produced by Gus Dudgeon
Words & Music by Elton John & Bernie Taupin
©1970 Dick James Music Limited

[demolished]

I’m 61 years old, It’s January 2025, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll…. Yet I’ve NEVER heard this version before…Very Good Collaboration.

[bartolomediazsahagun]

Conceived in Mars, born in Hull, the great Mick Ronson, soundscaper

[Cravatman]

Michael Chapman on acoustic guitar. Mick Ronson on lead. The edgiest track Elton ever recorded.

[alanosterman]

Should be noted that this is before Stairway To Heaven.
Always felt Mick never got his due. Bless him.

[robslater]

Mick Ronson was so much more than Rock's great Unheralded Guitarist. He was a fully-fledged musician (there is a difference). Big Ears!

[pgo]

How great is this?? Well Ronson was in music for all the right reasons. He gave far more than he wanted back. He helped plenty of musicians achieve their goal while being the man behind the brains. Everything I find with his name is always about 'the music'. Another Super Legend.

[pgo]

No matter the direction that Elton wanted to take music in, he was going to succeed. Ronson went on to fulfill his expertise with Bowie. What a super career for both of them and not to forget Bowie.

[danmang]

My favorite Elton John song. Very underrated compared to the rest of his work.

[lauren]

Mick Ronson on guitar for goodness sake FANTASTIC

[davidferguson]

Mick Ronson always brought the best out of any artist he collaborated with. A legend sadly missed but never forgotten! Ronno forever!

[ginghamt.c.]

Mick Ronson had the midas touch. a Genius

[markkendrick]

A True Mick will be forever missed and

[tjmackster]

Always loved Madman, but this extended Ronson version takes it to a new level for me! Brilliant!

[OptimisticMonkey]

Ronson so awesome on this track - showcasing his legendary guitar sound. He is on the cusp of unleashing his guitar genius and taking over the world with Bowie.

[imfattcracker]

@eltonjohnmusic Reggie Darling, to hide this for 50 years is Tragic..
It's Beautiful and the Very Best version of Madman ever..

[stevemason]

Was never into Elton John much. Not saying I didn't like him or his sound, but he just didn't hit the right style for me. I gotta say I was and still a master fan of Mick Ronson and loved everything he did with Bowie, Hunter and himself. His guitar here launched this song into orbit in my opinion. I was a sound tech and stage hand for Factory Productions back in the 70s and we did a concert for Bowie. Mick showed me one of his secret methods for his unique sound with a Wah~wah pedal. He showed me to plug it in between your guitar and amp, then "find your setting and leave it there, then rock on". His exact words. I was devestated when he passed. He was an easy going man and associated with us as we unloaded and set up, and even helped with the sound checks. I almost felt as if I knew him although I really didn't.

[leftystrat]

I like Elton's music growing up, but I would have loved it if it had guitar work like this in it. Just hearing it for the first time-amazing.

[creid]

Madman has always been one of my absolute favorite songs by Elton John - but this cut of it - Damn!

[incubrian]

this is THE version. the other one doesnt even come close to how amazing this is.

[joshuamuthafknblake]

How can anyone slag Ronno, you don't like his Solo's . Your not to brite this was a demo noodles for brains.Ronno was genius, no Ronno, no Bowie, period !!!