Elton John: Dear God Single (1980)

Double Rocket Faith

Elton John’s “Dear God” was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK on November 21, 1980, and and double-7" set followed on The Rocket Record Company (catalogue: XPRES 45 / 6000 591). Backed with “Tactics” (and “Steal Away Child” / “Love So Cold” on double pack), this synth-pop prayer and moody B-sides (produced by Clive Franks & Elton), were issued in plastic injection small centre, company sleeve, and picture sleeve double. No UK chart entry. Issued in standard single and double-7" with PRS pressing, PP lacquer cut on C, it’s a sleek ‘80 synth reissue quartet.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Dear God”

Written-By – John, Osbourne. Producer – Clive Franks, Elton John.

B-Side: “Tactics”

Written-By – John. Producer – Clive Franks, Elton John.

Double 7" Bonus:

C: “Steal Away Child” (John, Osborne)

D: “Love So Cold” (John/Taupin)

Release Details:

Label: The Rocket Record Company (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Published By – Big Pig Music Ltd.

Producer – Clive Franks, Elton John

Double 7": Produced For – Frank N. Stein Productions Ltd.

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Sackville Productions Ltd.

Marketed By – Phonogram

Pressed By – PRS Ltd.

Lacquer Cut At – PRS Ltd.

Lacquer Cut By – PP (C)

UK Formats:

Vinyl, 7" Single

Plastic Injection Small Centre, Company Sleeve (XPRES 45)

Commercial.

Vinyl, 2x7" Single

Plastic Injection Small Centre, Picture Sleeve (XPRES 45 / 6000 591)

A: Dear God

B: Tactics

C: Steal Away Child

D: Love So Cold

Country Variations:

The single was released in several countries:

UK (The Rocket Record Company XPRES 45 / 6000 591)

Released November 21, 1980. 7-inch single & double-7".

Australia (The Rocket Record Company 6000 591)

1980. Company sleeve.

Ireland (The Rocket Record Company XPRES 45)

1980. Company sleeve.

Netherlands (The Rocket Record Company 6000 590)

1980. Picture sleeve.

Production and Context

Produced by Clive Franks & Elton John. From *21 at 33* sessions. Synth-driven pop with Osborne co-writes. Double-7" includes two non-album tracks. Rocket’s final major push before Mercury.

Chart Performance:

No UK chart entry.

Legacy and Collectibility

“Dear God” is synth-pop elegance, “Tactics” moody funk, bonus tracks deep cuts. Original UK singles fetch £3–£8 on eBay/Discogs, double-7" picture sleeve (£15–£35). Verify PP cut on C, plastic injection centre.

Streams on Spotify via 21 at 33*deluxe. This synth prayer is a must-have for Elton ‘80s fans and double-pack collectors.

Have you sent up this Dear God prayer on vinyl? Does “Love So Cold” still chill? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube.

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