Elton John reveals tragic truth amid ongoing health battle

The pop icon revealed a sad truth as he attended The Devil Wears Prada – for which he wrote the music – on London’s West End, before his husband led him from the stage.

Elton John has revealed the devastating impact of losing his eyesight while attending a gala performance of highly anticipated new musical The Devil Wears Prada musical on London’s West End.

The Crocodile Rock hitmaker wrote the music and appeared on stage at the event, shocking fans when he admitted he hadn’t been able to watch the show.

“I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I’ve lost my eyesight,” he told the crowd, who attended to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Elton John and David Furnish at The Devil Wears Prada Musical charity gala night in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation in London. Picture: Getty Images

“So it’s hard for me to see it, but I love to hear it – and boy, it sounded good tonight!”.

The star singer happily posed for pictures with the cast, but had to be led from the stage by husband David Furnish, who he described as “my rock”.

John, 77, last week opened up about his health battles in an interview with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America while promoting his latest documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late.

Sir Elton (centre) poses with supporters including David Furnish (left) and Donatella Versace (back), as well as lead actress Vanessa Williams (red). Picture: Getty Images

“I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the South of France,” he said.

“It’s been four months now since I haven’t been able to see. My left eye is not the greatest. It’s been a while since I’ve done anything. I just have to get off my backside.”

Sir Elton John during a special screening of Elton John: Never Too Late in London. Picture: Getty Images for Disney+

The Tiny Dancer hitmaker said his vision loss had set him back but suggested it should improve.
“It kind of floored me, and I can’t see anything. I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything. There’s hope and encouragement that it will be okay. But I’m kind of stuck in the moment, going into the studio and recording, I don’t know. Because I can’t see a lyric for start.”

Sir Elton first hinted he had a vision issue in a social media post in September.

Sir Elton with King Charles III during the Royal Variety Performance in London. Picture: Getty Images

At the time, he said: “I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye.”

The singer, who has two sons with husband David Furnish, has had a number of health issues over the years including knee and hip replacement surgeries.

Sir Elton and Furnish stepped out for the Royal Variety Performance in London last month where they were spotted sharing a laugh with King Charles.

The couple presented a musical number from their new show with star Vanessa Williams and its cast.

Originally published as Elton John reveals tragic truth amid ongoing health battle