Elton John's Health Journey: "I Can't See Anything"

Elton John, the iconic British musician, has revealed a significant health challenge that has affected his ability to work on his new album. The 77-year-old artist disclosed that he has been unable to see out of his right eye for four months due to a severe infection. His left eye is also not in optimal condition, compounding the difficulties he faces.

This situation has left him feeling "stuck," as he struggles to finish the album he announced last year with his long-time collaborator, Bernie Taupin. In an interview with ABC News' 'Good Morning America', he shared the Rocketman star told ABC News' Good Morning America: "I don't know. It's been a while since I've done anything, and well, I just have to get off my backside. "I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the south of France and it's been four months now since I haven't been able to see, and my left eye is not the greatest."

"So, there's hope and encouragement that it will be okay, but... I'm kind of stuck at the moment, because I can do something like this [the interview], but going into the studio and recording, I don't know, because I can't see a lyric for a start."

The British star said he was "taking an initiative to try and get it better," and was "concentrating" on regaining his eye health. He went on: "It's never fortunate for anything like this to happen, and it kind of floored me. And I can't see anything, I can't read anything, can't watch anything."

The collaboration with Bernie Taupin was described as "incredibly personal" by Taupin himself earlier this year. He emphasized that while the album is ready, the release has been delayed due to John's health issues. Despite these setbacks, John remains optimistic and is taking steps to improve his eye health. He expressed hope and encouragement about his recovery, although recording in the studio remains challenging. "I'm kind of stuck at the moment," he admitted, highlighting the difficulties of working without being able to see lyrics.

John's health struggles are not new, as he has previously dealt with knee and hip replacements and surgery for prostate cancer. Nevertheless, these challenges have not deterred him from performing and making public appearances. His last UK performance was a headline set at Glastonbury, marking the end of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Recently, he shared a new song with Brandi Carlile, inspired by his Disney+ documentary "Never Too Late." He has also been active in promoting the film on red carpets in Toronto and London.

In October, John performed with Dua Lipa at the Royal Albert Hall and appeared at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the King. Despite the current health setbacks, his legacy continues with hits like "I'm Still Standing," "Candle In The Wind," and "Your Song." In 2021, he was made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour. He shares his life with his husband, David Furnish, and their two sons, Zachary and Elijah

In the last decade or so, Elton John’s career has been marked by a combination of nostalgia, creative evolution, and a significant farewell to live performances. His musical journey during this period reflects both retrospection and innovation, as he continued to produce new work while also embracing his legacy.
Elton John’s most notable release in the last decade was 'The Diving Board' (2013). This album marked a return to a more stripped-down, piano-driven sound, evoking the classic feel of his earlier work from the 1970s. The album was well-received, with tracks like “Oscar Wilde Gets Out” and “Home Again” showcasing his ability to craft intimate and poignant music. Though it didn’t achieve the massive commercial success of some of his previous albums, it was a critical success, especially for its return to the singer-songwriter format.

In 2016, Elton John released 'Wonderful Crazy Night', which was a more upbeat, celebratory album compared to the introspective tone of 'The Diving Board'. The album's title track "Wonderful Crazy Night" and "Blue Wonderful" captured a sense of joy and carefree energy. The record, produced by T Bone Burnett, marked another collaboration with his long-time lyricist Bernie Taupin and was considered one of his strongest late-career efforts.

One of the most significant events of the last decade for Elton John was his announcement in 2018 of the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which he described as his final global tour. This decision was influenced by his desire to spend more time with his family. The tour, named after his iconic 1973 album 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road', began in 2018 and was originally set to conclude in 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced delays, and the tour continued into the 2022 and 2023. The farewell tour was an emotional experience for fans and saw Elton John playing a mix of his greatest hits like “Rocket Man,” “Your Song,” and “Candle in the Wind,” alongside deeper cuts from his extensive catalog.

In 2019, Elton John's life story was adapted into the biographical musical film ‘Rocketman’. The film, which starred Taron Egerton as Elton, depicted key moments from his early career, struggles with addiction, and his eventual rise to superstardom. The film was widely praised, and Elton’s involvement in its production earned him several accolades, including Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song for "I'm Gonna Love Me Again," a track co-written with Bernie Taupin specifically for the film. This period in his life reignited interest in his back catalog, attracting a new generation of fans while reminding older listeners of his enormous influence.