Elton John, the iconic 77-year-old singer, recently disclosed the significant challenges he faces with his eyesight due to an ongoing health issue. Speaking at the gala performance of his new musical, “The Devil Wears Prada,” in London, John revealed to the audience that his impaired vision has prevented him from fully experiencing the show he creatively contributed to.
Addressing the audience, Elton John expressed gratitude towards his husband, David Furnish, acknowledging him as “my rock” during this difficult time. He explained his absence from many preview shows, stating, “I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I have lost my eyesight. So it’s hard for me to see it. But I love to hear it and boy it sounded good tonight.” His words highlighted the emotional impact of his vision loss, particularly on his ability to engage with his artistic endeavors.
This revelation follows John’s earlier announcement in September, where he detailed the cause of his vision problems. He explained that a severe eye infection contracted during a trip to France in July had resulted in blindness in his right eye and significantly limited vision in his left eye. The infection, he stated, had a profound impact on his sight, emphasizing the severity of the medical condition he was battling.
In a social media statement shared at the time, Elton John conveyed both his struggle and his hope for recovery. “I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye,” he wrote. He also expressed his deep appreciation for the medical professionals and his family who were supporting him through his recovery process. This public acknowledgment provided fans with insight into the personal challenges he was navigating alongside his public commitments.
The impact of Elton John’s eyesight issues extends beyond his personal experiences, also affecting his professional work. Last week, in an interview with Good Morning America, John mentioned that his impaired vision is causing delays in the production of his next album with long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin. He elaborated on the practical difficulties, explaining, “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.”
He further explained the challenges of working in the studio under these conditions. “So, there’s hope and encouragement that it will be OK, 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.” This honest account illustrates the direct impact of his blindness on his creative process and music production.
“The Devil Wears Prada” musical, for which Elton John composed the music, has recently premiered in London’s West End at the Dominion Theatre. The Sunday night gala performance where John spoke about his vision was specifically organized to raise funds for the Elton John Aids Foundation, highlighting his ongoing commitment to charitable causes even amidst personal health challenges.
The musical itself is adapted from Lauren Weisberger’s popular novel and the subsequent film, “The Devil Wears Prada.” The story centers on Andy, an aspiring journalist who becomes the assistant to Miranda Priestly, the formidable editor of a high-fashion magazine. In this stage adaptation, Miranda Priestly is portrayed by Vanessa Williams, adding star power to the production.
The premiere event attracted a host of notable figures from the fashion industry, including Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue. Wintour is widely rumored to be the inspiration behind the character of Miranda Priestly, adding another layer of intrigue to her presence at the musical’s debut. When questioned by the BBC on the red carpet about the similarities between herself and Miranda Priestly, Wintour responded, “It’s for the audience and for the people I work with to decide if there are any similarities between me and Miranda Priestly.”
Elton John’s openness about his vision loss provides a glimpse into the personal obstacles he is currently facing. Despite these challenges, his continued dedication to his music and philanthropic work remains evident, as seen through his involvement with “The Devil Wears Prada” and his ongoing efforts with the Elton John Aids Foundation. His journey underscores his resilience and enduring passion for his craft and his causes.
