Elton John: Kiss The Bride Single (1983)

Elton's Dreamboat Double-Pack

Elton John’s “Kiss The Bride” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 7, 1983, on The Rocket Record Company (catalogue: EJS 2). Backed with the previously unreleased “Dreamboat,” this upbeat pop-rock track, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, was the third single from the album Too Low For Zero. Produced by Chris Thomas and recorded by Bill Price, the A-side’s catchy synths and Elton’s vocals peaked at No. 20 on the UK Singles Chart for 7 weeks. Issued in a picture sleeve, with also a limited double-pack and 12-inch edition.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Kiss The Bride” (4:22)

Written-By – Elton John/Bernie Taupin. Producer – Chris Thomas. Recorded By – Bill Price.

B-Side: “Dreamboat” (previously unreleased) (3:52)

Written-By – Gary Osborne, Tim Renwick. Written-By, Producer – Elton John. Producer – Clive Franks.

Release Details:

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

UK Formats:

Vinyl 7", Single (EJS 2): “Kiss The Bride” / “Dreamboat.” In a picture sleeve.

A-Side: “Kiss The Bride” (4:22, Elton John/Bernie Taupin) – Producer – Chris Thomas – Recorded By – Bill Price – Written-By – Elton John/Bernie Taupin

B-Side: “Dreamboat” (3:52, Elton John/Gary Osborne/Tim Renwick) – Producer – Clive Franks, Elton John – Written-By – Gary Osborne, Tim Renwick – Written-By, Producer –Elton John

2 x Vinyl, 7", Limited Edition, Double-Pack (EJS 212):

Disc 1 A-Side: “Kiss The Bride” (4:22, Elton John/Bernie Taupin) – Producer – Chris Thomas – Recorded By – Bill Price – Written-By – Elton John/Bernie Taupin

Disc 1 B-Side: “Dreamboat” (3:52, Elton John/Gary Osborne/Tim Renwick) – Producer –Clive Franks – Written-By – Gary Osborne, Tim Renwick – Written-By, Producer – Elton John

Disc 2 A-Side: “Ego” (3:59, Elton John/Bernie Taupin) – Producer – Clive Franks, Elton John – Written-By – Elton John/Bernie Taupin

Disc 2 B-Side: “Song For Guy” (6:34, Elton John) – Producer – Clive Franks – Written-By, Producer – Elton John

Vinyl, 12" (EJS 212):

A-Side: “Kiss The Bride” (album version)

B-Side: “Dreamboat” (previously unreleased)

Country Variations

The single was a UK release with limited international distribution:

Ireland - The Rocket Record Company - 1983

Australia - The Rocket Record Company - 1984

Production and Context

Recorded in 1983 at AIR Studios, Montserrat, during Too Low For Zero sessions. Produced by Chris Thomas (A-side), Clive Franks/Elton John (B-side). The lineup: Elton John (vocals, piano), Davey Johnstone (guitar), Dee Murray (bass), Nigel Olsson (drums). “Kiss The Bride” was a wedding-themed rocker, while “Dreamboat” was an unreleased gem. Released amid Elton’s comeback, it followed Too Low For Zero (No. 7 UK, 1983).

Chart Performance:

UK: No. 20 (Official Singles Chart), charting for 7 weeks.

Legacy and Collectibility

“Kiss The Bride” is an Elton ‘80s pop-rock staple, with “Dreamboat” a fan-favorite B-side. Original UK 7-inch vinyls fetch £3–£8 on eBay/Discogs, with double-packs (£10–£20) and 12-inch (£8–£15) rarer. Verify catalogue EJS 2.

Streams on Spotify via Too Low For Zero reissues preserve the analog bounce. This single is a must-have for Elton fans and ‘80s pop collectors.

Have you snagged this Elton gem in your vinyl collection? Does “Kiss The Bride” steal your heart? 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