Elton John fans who have collected his music for more than a decade will know – instantly – the name Alan McCormick. Or at least his e-shop Wrap It Up!
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Alan’s sudden passing, we speak emotionally with his son Ben McCormick about dad and the contribuion Alan made to the emergence of more collectable Elton music such as that contained in the Jewel Box collection of 2019.
We are also joined by Alan’s friend and expert Elton collector Peter Thomas – making his record-breaking third time on Radio Elton John.
Here is what Peter said after the show:
“It was lovely to remember Alan today. Thinking about tracks that he loved, Watching the Planes is a definite.
“Alan was aware of the track but it had never surfaced and he was so happy when we secured it and even more so when we played this old acetate for the first time.
“It’s also one of my favourite pre-fame Elton tracks and probably because of that shared experience of discovery with Alan.”
Ben added:
“I do know that dad really liked The Greatest Discovery from the black album… and in later years, he really loved The Last Song. I’ve a feeling Someone Saved My Life Tonight may also have been up there as a big favourite.”
We hear about Alan’s contribution to the Elton-Bernie Take Me Back Tour, one of the first, ambitious actions of sister website eltonjohn.world when in June 2002 we headed to Elton’s London and Bernie’s Lincoln.
You may enjoy reading more about the 2002 event here.
Remembering Alan, our first episode of Season 5, will be released to REJ Platinum subscribers at 1800 GMT on 31 January 2026. The free version will be avaialble on REJ Silver from 1800 GMT on 7 February 2026.
Here are some more photos.
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- Top right: Peter Thomas, bottom: Ben McCormick, top left George Matlock
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- Ben McCormick
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- Alan McCormick on his last vacation in 2011
