Sir Elton John has revealed that ongoing struggles with his eyesight have stalled progress on his new album.
The iconic singer, who contracted a severe eye infection in July, has been unable to see out of his right eye for the past four months. His vision in the left eye is also significantly impaired, leaving him unable to perform essential tasks like reading lyrics or recording music.
Speaking on ABC’s Good Morning America, he shared the difficulties he faces, saying, “I can do something like this [interview] but going into the studio and recording, I don’t know, because I can’t see a lyric for start.”
The health setback has taken a toll on Sir Elton, leaving him uncertain about when he can return to creating music.
“It’s never fortunate for anything like this to happen, and it kind of floored me,” he admitted. “I can’t see anything, I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything.” When asked about the status of his album, the legendary pop star confessed he is “kind of stuck at the moment” and hasn’t made much progress.
Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic, sharing that he is undergoing treatment and there is hope for improvement. “At the moment, that’s really what we’re concentrating on,” he added.
This marks a significant delay since Sir Elton announced the completion of a new album in November 2023 during the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. At the time, he was enthusiastic about the project, which he described as “absolutely wonderful” and “full of youth and vitality.”
The album, created in collaboration with his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, was expected to mark a vibrant return for the artist. However, his recent comments suggest that fans may have to wait longer before hearing the new material.
Despite his vision struggles, Sir Elton has maintained a visible presence in public life, attending high-profile events and continuing to captivate audiences. In September, he appeared at the premieres of his new documentary, Never Too Late, in Toronto and London.
The following month, he surprised fans at Dua Lipa’s Royal Albert Hall concert by joining her on stage to perform their hit duet, Cold Heart. These appearances demonstrate his resilience and commitment to his fans, even as he navigates personal health challenges.
The legendary musician has also stayed involved in theatrical projects. Earlier this month, he attended the opening of his musical Tammy Faye on Broadway, showcasing his dedication to his diverse artistic pursuits. Most recently, he appeared at the Royal Variety Performance in London, introducing a song from his upcoming stage show, The Devil Wears Prada. These contributions underscore his enduring influence across multiple creative fields.
Sir Elton’s last studio album featuring original material was released in 2016, and fans have eagerly anticipated his next musical chapter. While his health has introduced unexpected delays, his resilience and the promise of treatment give hope that he will return to the studio when he is ready. For now, the world waits patiently for the next chapter from one of music’s most beloved icons.