Elton John Box Sets: What's Inside and Are They Worth It?
By Elton John Official Store - Elton John Official Store | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: Product Reviews
Explore the contents and value of Elton John box sets, including the Honky Château 2LP and Lockdown Sessions cassette. Get honest advice on whether these releases are worth adding to your collection.
Quick answer
Elton John box sets vary widely in content and value. The Honky Château 50th Anniversary 2LP offers rare outtakes and a booklet, making it a solid pick for collectors. The Lockdown Sessions cassette is a more affordable entry point for fans of his recent collaborations.
What makes a box set worth buying?
A box set's value often comes from exclusive content you can't get elsewhere—like outtakes, alternate versions, or a physical format that adds to the listening experience. For Elton John fans, the Honky Château 2LP includes a newly created selection of outtakes from the original session tapes, plus an eight-page booklet with rare photos. That kind of material is hard to find on streaming platforms, which gives the set a clear reason to own it physically.
What about more affordable options?
Not every Elton John release needs to be a deluxe investment. The Lockdown Sessions Green Cassette is a colored transparent green cassette that includes hits like "Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)" with Dua Lipa and "Always Love You" with Young Thug and Nicki Minaj. Priced under $11, it's a fun, collectible format for fans who want the album in a retro package without spending on a full box set. Just note that cassettes don't offer the audio fidelity of vinyl or digital.
Frequently asked questions about Elton John box sets
- What's inside the Honky Château 2LP?
- The 50th anniversary edition includes the original album plus a selection of outtakes from the original session tapes, along with an eight-page booklet of rare photos. Great for fans who want bonus material and historical context.
- Is the Lockdown Sessions cassette worth it?
- It's a colored transparent green cassette with a standard box and 6-flap inlay, priced under $11. It includes major collaborations like "Cold Heart" and "Always Love You." A budget-friendly collectible, but cassette audio quality is lower than vinyl or digital.
- How do I know if a box set is worth the price?
- Look for exclusive content—outtakes, booklets, or unique packaging. Compare the price to the standard album and consider how often you'll play the format. If you value rare material and physical ownership, box sets can be a smart buy.
Product facts at a glance
- Honky Château: Black Vinyl 2LP: Released in May 1972, 'Honky Château' is the fifth studio album by Elton John, which includes singles "Rocket Man" and "Honky Cat". This 50th anniversary edition contains the original album and a newly created selection of outtakes from the original session tapes. Includes an eight-page booklet containing rare photos. If you're after historical context and exclusive audio, this 2LP delivers content that streaming services don't offer—making it a meaningful addition for serious collectors.
- The Lockdown Sessions Green Cassette: 1 colored cassette (transparent green), standard box, 6-flap inlay. Track list includes Elton John & Dua Lipa – Cold Heart (PNAU Remix), Elton John, Young Thug & Nicki Minaj – Always Love You, and more. For a lower price point, you get a visually unique format that's easy to display and play. It's a good choice if you want a physical copy of his recent collaborative work without the higher cost of vinyl.
