Although this song became the title track of Elton John's 1971 album "Madman Across the Water," this first version was recorded during the "Tumbleweed Connection" sessions. It featured guitar solos by Mick Ronson of David Bowie's Spiders. It was not released until 1992 when it appeared on the compilation "Rare Masters."

The new (2022) deluxe box set of the "Madman" album provides additional information:
This first version of "Madman Across the Water" was recorded at Trident Studios, London on May 18, 1970. Gus Dudgeon was producing the artist/guitar player Michael Chapman at the time and decided to try recording this song of Elton's with Chapman. Chapman was also working with Mick Ronson at the time, and brought him along. The two of them shortly after this started working with David Bowie. The session was a bit of an experiment, the end result becoming much more heavy rock version than the Rest of the "Tumbleweed" album, and that's why it was shelved at the time. Dudgeon said, "It came out sounding like Led Zeppelin playing Elton John!"

Elton John: Piano & Vocal
Michael Chapman: Acoustic Guitar
Mick Ronson: Electric Guitar
Barry Morgan: Drums
Herbie Flowers: Bass
Produced by Gus Dudgeon
Words & Music by Elton John & Bernie Taupin
©1970 Dick James Music Limited

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