In the more than half-century since “Rocket Man” first shot its way to the top of the charts, it would be safe to assume that Elton John has performed the song hundreds — if not thousands — of times.

Elton John’s temper is legendary, so much so that his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics of the 1974 hit “The Bitch Is Back” about John and his mood swings. Apparently, more than 50 ...