B37189 – Elton John 1974 The Bitch Is Back (Caribou) Original Mock-Up Artwork (UK)

The original mock-up artwork for the 1974 Elton John album ‘The Bitch Is Back’ which was eventually released as ‘Caribou’. This artwork was presented to Elton John in the Rocker Records office in Wardour Street, London in late 1973 or early 1974. The photo used to make the sketch was the same image as the ones that was on the front of the ‘Honky Chateau’ front cover. If you pull up a piece of card within the sleeve Elton stick his tongue out to lick the lollipop whilst his eyes close. The idea got a good reaction from Elton and a few laughs but wasn’t taken seriously as a final contender for the finished sleeve. The lettering for the proposed title, ‘The Bitch is Back’ was written by hand using an actual red lipstick that was hastily borrowed from one of the girls in the Rocket office. The heart-shaped glasses and lollipop were intentional visual references to Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Lolita’. The sleeve measures 31.75cm x 31.75cm (12.5 inches x 12.5 inches). The condition is very good.