Elton John Album Cover Artist Wants His Painting Back

The artist who painted the iconic cover for Elton John's 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' wants his painting back.

Ian Beck was paid a little under $700 for the work which ended up being the cover for possibly Elton's most legendary work.  Beck believes that Elton himself still has the painting and is outspoken that he 'wants it back because I created it'.

Technically, if the guy was paid for the work, whatever the amount, it probably doesn't belong to him.  And why has it taken all this time to ask for its return?

Granted if the original cover art for 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' was put up for auction at Sotheby's, the bids might be astronomical.  And I guess it is entirely possible that Beck is in need of money.  He's not a household name.

Do you think that if Elton still has the painting that he even knows where it is?  Elton has auctioned off entire wardrobes of his outlandish outfits, glasses, and memorabilia several times over the years, with proceeds generally going to his 'Elton John AIDS Foundation'.  You would think that if he possesses the painting, it just might have shown up in one of those auctions.

In any case, I can't believe that Ian Beck would have any legal claim on the work.  There might be more on this story as the publicity ramps up.  We'll keep you posted.  (via TorontoSun.com)