Sir Elton John, 78, has opened up about the challenges he has faced since an infection last summer severely impacted his eyesight.
In an interview with The Times, the legendary musician revealed that his vision problems have made it difficult for him to fully experience life as he once did. “I can’t see TV, I can’t read. I can’t see my boys playing rugby and soccer,” he shared, expressing the emotional toll of the situation.
For someone who has always enjoyed soaking in the world around him, these changes have been particularly distressing. The infection, which left him with “only limited vision” in one eye, has also affected his ability to enjoy family moments with his sons, Zachary and Elijah, whom he shares with his husband, filmmaker David Furnish.
Elton had first revealed the extent of his condition in September, when he posted on Instagram about the “severe” infection that led to his eyesight issues.
He admitted at the time that his recovery would take some time, but the toll it has taken on him emotionally is evident. “It has been a very stressful time,” he confessed. “I haven’t been able to see anything since last July,” he added, referring to his struggles with sight.
The adjustment has not been easy, and Sir Elton admitted that it has brought on some emotional moments, especially when he cannot see his sons engage in activities he once enjoyed watching.
Despite these challenges, Sir Elton has managed to maintain a positive outlook, focusing on the blessings in his life. “You have to get used to it, because I’m lucky to have the life I have,” he said, acknowledging that despite his struggles, he still has a loving family and some vision in his left eye.
“I can still see something out of here,” he pointed to his left eye, emphasizing the importance of gratitude in facing his difficulties. For him, the key to coping with the loss is to “just get on with it,” even when it brings moments of emotional strain.
The impact of his eyesight issues was so severe that it even halted the progress of his new album. Sir Elton revealed in a previous interview that he had been unable to finish the album due to his condition.
At the time, in November, he admitted, “it’s been a while since I’ve done anything.” However, despite the setbacks, Sir Elton managed to complete his new collaborative album, Who Believes In Angels?, with American musician Brandi Carlile. The album was produced by Andrew Watt and written with long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin.
Although the creative process was challenging, Elton acknowledged that the team didn’t always agree, which led to moments of frustration.
He explained that, at times, the disagreements were tied to his own anxieties and self-doubt. “If I want to make a great album aged 76 or 77, I’ve got to be told,” he said, revealing that working with a team that pushed him to improve was both difficult and necessary.
His exhaustion, combined with his insecurities, made him question whether he should abandon the project. But with three other people involved, he knew walking away would haunt him forever. “I would hate myself for the rest of my life,” he reflected on that pivotal moment.
Sir Elton’s candid admission that doubts have always been a part of his creative process highlights the vulnerability that many artists experience. “You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t have fear and doubt. It’s good for artists,” he noted.
Even with decades of success, the fear of failure and self-doubt continued to linger, particularly with this album. “The most doubts I’ve ever had have been with this one,” he confessed, emphasizing that these feelings are a natural part of the creative journey.
Despite these struggles, the album has received widespread praise from critics. The Guardian awarded it four stars, commending the “poignant moments” throughout, while The Telegraph gave it a perfect five-star review, calling it a “glorious return to his bombastic, melodious 1970s pomp.”
The praise marks another high point in Sir Elton’s illustrious career, proving that even in the face of personal challenges, his musical talents continue to resonate with listeners around the world.
In addition to the release of his new album, Sir Elton also achieved another career milestone when his greatest hits collection, Diamonds, reached number one on the charts in January.
The album, which includes classics like “Tiny Dancer,” “I’m Still Standing,” and “Rocket Man,” gave him his ninth number-one album.
The success of Diamonds further solidified his place in music history, showcasing the enduring appeal of his work across generations.
Last year, Sir Elton also achieved EGOT status, winning his first Emmy Award and joining an exclusive group of performers who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.
This monumental achievement capped off a year of triumphs, proving that even as he navigates personal struggles, Sir Elton John continues to be one of the most respected and influential figures in the entertainment industry.
Despite his health challenges, his legacy as a performer and artist remains stronger than ever.
