Pop icon Elton John recently shared his experience of attending the opening night of his new musical, “The Devil Wears Prada,” while grappling with vision loss caused by an eye infection. Speaking at the charity gala premiere in London, John, aged 77, updated the audience on his condition, revealing the challenges he faced in enjoying the show due to impaired eyesight.
“I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I’ve lost my eyesight so, it’s hard for me to see it,” Elton John admitted at the Dominion Theatre in London. Despite the visual limitations, his passion for the project remained undiminished. “But I love to hear it and it quite sounded good tonight,” he added, focusing on the auditory aspects of the musical he poured his creative energy into.
In September, Elton John had publicly disclosed a “severe eye infection” that significantly reduced his vision, leaving him with “only limited vision in one eye.” While he reported the infection is healing, the recovery process is expected to be lengthy. This health update casts light on the daily obstacles faced by the legendary musician.
Earlier last week, in an interview on “Good Morning America,” Elton John offered a hopeful yet realistic perspective on his recovery. He expressed “hope and encouragement” regarding regaining his full eyesight but acknowledged the current limitations. “I can’t see anything, I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything,” he confessed, highlighting the profound impact of the eye infection on his everyday life, even affecting his ability to work in the studio where reading lyrics is crucial.
Despite retiring from touring in 2023, Elton John’s creative drive remains strong. He penned the score for “The Devil Wears Prada,” a musical adaptation of the popular 2006 film, itself inspired by the 2003 novel. Adding to his busy schedule, a documentary titled “Elton John: Never Too Late” is set for release in December, showcasing another facet of his illustrious career.
This year also marked a significant milestone for Elton John as he achieved EGOT status, completing the coveted set of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. This accomplishment, earned with an Emmy for “Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium,” underscores his enduring influence and success across various entertainment platforms, even as he navigates health challenges like his recent eye infection.
