Elton John opens up about the severe eye infection that's affected his sight
It started in the summer of 2024
Last updated 26th Nov 2025
Last year, 'Your Song' singer Elton John revealed he'd been suffering from a 'severe eye infection', which has affected his vision. Now 15 months after it first started, the singer has opened up about the effect it's had on him and what the future holds.
As Elton has now finished his epic tour, and released a collaborative album with Brandi Carlile, he joined Variety for an interview where he opened up about his fundraising for Elton John AIDS Foundation, his plans for performing in the future, and his severe eye infection.
Explaining how the infection has severely affected his eyesight over the last 15 months, Elton said: "It’s been devastating, because I lost my right eye and my left eye’s not so good, the last 15 months have been challenging for me because I haven’t been able to see anything, watch anything, read anything."
The legendary singer went on to say: "I’ve had the most incredible life, and there is hope. I’ve just gotta be patient that someday science will help me with this one. Once they help me with this one, I’ll be fine. It’s exactly like the AIDS situation. You mustn’t give up hope, you must be stoic, you must be strong and you must always try and batter the door down to try and improve things."
David Furnish, Elton's husband and collaborator, added more details about the treatment he's already received, saying: "We’ve been doing some treatments and there’s been some improvements in his left eye, which is really good, and we’re continuing to explore and getting a lot of outreach from a lot of doctors who want to help and support.
"Because there’s damage to the retina in his right eye, retinas don’t heal naturally, so it’s an area of emerging science. But things are changing really quickly. What AI is doing for medicine and science alone is astonishing. And there’s all kinds of interesting new theories and breakthroughs, and they can process the data and do the trials a lot more quickly than they could before."
However, despite the problems with his eyesight that hasn't stopped Elton being able to continue to sing and perform. The 'Rocket Man' singer explained: "We did the Singapore Grand Prix the other day with the band, which was wonderful. I mean, you just have to grin and bear it. It does get me down sometimes. But on the whole, I’ve got a wonderful family; I have two great kids; I have him (looking to David Furnish)."
Elton's statement about his eye condition
In September 2024, Elton opened up about the eye infection that had affected his eyesight.
In a statement, the singer wrote: 'Over the summer, l've been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye. I am healing, but it's an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye.'
He continued: 'I am so grateful for the excellent team of doctors and nurses and my family, who have taken such good care of me over the last several weeks. I have been quietly spending the summer recuperating at home, and am feeling positive about the progress I have made in my healing and recovery thus far.
'With love and gratitude, Elton John'.
After posting the news, Elton's fans and friends commented on the post. Elton's songwriting partner Bernie Taupin wrote: 'Get back on track good buddy❤', and Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham commented: 'Sending golden,healing vibes Elton. ☀️🌞☀️🌞☀️'.
You can hear songs by Elton John on Greatest Hits Radio 80s.
Take a look at Elton John's amazing career:
Career beginnings
Reggie learned to play the piano as a very young child, and could play songs fluently by ear after hearing them only a couple of times, soon winning a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London. Although he enjoyed the music, he wasn't particularly interested in classical, and left school at the age of 17 just before his A Levels to pursue a career in music - something his RAF father tried to dissuade him from. He fell in love with rock 'n' roll after his mum Sheila brought home Elvis Presley records. He also played piano in local pubs as a teenager.
1962: Bluesology
Reggie formed the band Bluesology with some friends in 1962, whilst also working as an admin assistant for a music publishing company. They became pretty popular in the mid-1960s, and played backing for acts like The Isley Brothers and Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles on their tours.
1967: Meeting Bernie Taupin and initial success
Reggie met Bernie after answering an advert in the New Musical Express (NME), and met A&R manager Ray Williams who gave him a wad of lyrics written by Bernie. He then wrote music for the lyrics, beginning a beautiful partnership which still works today. They recorded their first single, 'Scarecrow', together in 1967, and Reggie also started going by Elton John as a tribute to his Bluesology bandmates. He legally changed his name to Elton Hercules John in 1972. The pair joined DJM Records in 1968 as staff songwriters, writing songs for the likes of Lulu - including her 1969 Eurovision entry, 'I Can't Go On (Living Without You)'.
The pair wrote their first album together, 'Empty Sky', and released it in 1969, putting out follow-up 'Elton John' just a year later in 1970, which contained 'Your Song' - one of Elton's most famous and beloved songs ever. Elton also gave his first performance in America in 1970 at the Troubadour (a nightclub in West Hollywood), and released his third album 'Tumbleweed Connection' later that year.
1973: 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'
After penning the soundtrack to 1971 film Friends, Elton and Bernie saw huge success with their next few albums - spawning singles like 'Rocket Man', 'Tiny Dancer', 'Crocodile Rock' and 'Daniel'. But it was his seventh album, 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' released in 1973, that drew real acclaim. With songs like 'Bennie and the Jets', 'Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting', 'Candle in the Wind' and the album's title track, the record hit the top spot in both the UK and the US charts. It's since been certified 2x Platinum in the UK, with album sales of 600k units. Elton founded a record label, The Rocket Record Company, that same year, but chose to release his own music through MCA - signing a whopping $8 million deal with the label in 1974.
'Elton John's Greatest Hits' was released in 1974, and has since been certified Diamond in the US for 16 million sales. Elton had a big year in 1974 - working with the likes of Beatles star John Lennon and performing together at Madison Square Garden in New York. He also released his eighth album 'Caribou', which went to Number 1 and spawned singles such as 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me'. Elton starred in The Who's film adaptation of their album 'Tommy' in 1975, in which he performed their song 'Pinball Wizard' - this version broke into the Top 10 in the UK chart. Between 1972 and 1975, Elton had seven albums go to Number 1 in the US - a record he broke at the time.
1977: Elton retired from performing
Elton announced he was retiring from performing in 1977, and Bernie began working with other musicians. They reunited in 1979, and released their first album together - 'Too Low For Zero' - in 1983, which spawned singles such as 'I'm Still Standing'. Elton married his friend and sound engineer Renate Blauel in 1984, splitting three years later in 1987, and performed at Live Aid in 1985, singing 'Bennie and the Jets', 'Rocket Man' and 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' with Kiki Dee.
Some of Elton's output in the 1980s was not hugely well-received on either side of the pond, but he scored a Number 1 in 1990 with 'Sacrifice', and won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental a year later - also winning the BRIT Award for Best British Male.
1992: Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert and The Lion King
As well as releasing his 23rd album 'The One' in 1992, Elton also released 'Runaway Train' with longtime friend Eric Clapton - also performing the song with Eric on his World Tour. Elton took to the stage for the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium in April 1992 following Freddie's tragic death in November 1991.
Elton worked with lyricist Tim Rice to write the soundtrack for Disney's 1994 animated film The Lion King. He won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1995 for 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight', which also took home the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance the same year. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and won the BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in 1995. Elton and Tim worked together again in 1997 for the theatre musical version of the film, and again in 1999 for Aida.
In 1997, Elton was devastated by the death of his friend Diana, Princess of Wales, and worked with Bernie to rewrite the lyrics for 'Candle In The Wind' to honour her. Elton performed this version at her funeral - the only time he ever performed it live. The song's proceeds of approximately £55 million were donated to her charities through her memorial fund.
1998: Knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II
In 1998, Elton received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. "They don't come much bigger than this," he told reporters at the time, accompanied by his parents and David Furnish, who was his partner at the time (now husband).
He was awarded the title of Knight Bachelor for 'services to music and charitable services'.
2005: Billy Elliot The Musical and David Furnish
Elton worked on another musical in 2005 - Billy Elliot The Musical, based on the 2000 film, and also featured on 'Ghetto Gospel' by Tupac Shakur. He formed a civil partnership with his partner David Furnish on 21st December 2005 - the day that the Civil Partnership Act came into being. The couple welcomed their first child, Zachary, in 2010 and their second, Elijah, in 2013. Elton performed at the Concert for Diana in July 2007, on what would have been her 46th birthday. He also performed a duet with Lady Gaga at the Grammy Awards in 2010.
2013: GRAMMY Awards performance with Ed Sheeran
Elton teamed up with his protégé Ed Sheeran for a performance at the GRAMMY Awards in 2013, having championed the singer-songwriter from early on in his career. That year, he also worked with Queens of the Stone Age, and received the first-ever BRITs Icon Award.
He also appeared as himself in the Kingsman sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle in 2017, starring alongside Taron Egerton, who later played Elton in the biopic of his life, Rocketman.
Elton John - Rocketman (2019)
The hugely popular Elton John biopic Rocketman was released in May 2019, following the singer's life from his early years through until the 1980s. Elton wrote a brand new song, '(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again', for the film, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
It starred Taron Egerton as Elton and Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin. Elton's husband David was a co-producer on the film, which also won Taron a Golden Globe for Best Actor.
Watch the trailer.
2020: Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour
Elton was appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to music and charity in 2020. In November 2021, Elton John would receive the prestigious award for his long music career and his charity work through the Elton John Aids Foundation. The ceremony was held at Windsor Castle and carried out by Prince Charles.
Also in 2020, sadly Elton was forced to postpone his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour in March due to the Coronavirus, and took to social media that month to encourage people to stay at home and stop spreading the virus.
May 2021: Elton performs at the BRIT Awards
At the 2021 BRIT Awards, Elton performed alongside Years & Years star Olly Alexander for a cover of the Pet Shop Boys' song 'It's A Sin'. In January 2021 Russell T Davies' drama of the same name was released on Channel 4 with Olly Alexander in the leading role.
Speaking about the TV show, Elton said: 'It's A Sin is an incredibly moving account of the arrival of AIDS in the U.K. in the 1980's. Watching it, so many sad and devastating memories came flooding back. Many people were callous, ignorant and cruel. Thank God we have come so far since then.'
October 2021: Elton released 'The Lockdown Sessions'
In October 2021, Elton John released his 32nd studio album 'The Lockdown Sessions', a collaboration album recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic. The album features artists including Stevie Nicks and Stevie Wonder.
The album arrived on Friday 22nd October 2021, and his song 'Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)' with Dua Lipa went to Number 1 in the UK Chart and stayed there for 30 weeks.
2022: 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour resumes
After almost two years, Elton was able to get back to performing his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour, which had to be rescheduled due to Covid-19.
His first show back took place on 19th January in New Orleans, Louisiana. Elton had tour dates across the UK for 2022 and 2023, with the tour finishing in 2023 in Stockholm.
2022: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road documentary announced
In May 2022, it was announced that footage was being captured from Elton John's 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour as part of a new documentary called Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: The Final Elton John Performances And The Years That Made His Legend.
The documentary shows performance footage from over the past 50 years, as well as prominent moments from the start of his career, and a look into his personal life and career in the present day.
2022: Elton performs at the Platinum Party at the Palace
As he was on his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour when the concert for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee took place, Elton John pre-recorded a performance which was shown on the night. He sang a beautiful rendition of 'Your Song' and the video was projected onto the side of Buckingham Palace.
2022: Elton John releases 'Hold Me Closer'
Elton John remixed another one of his greatest hits. 'Tiny Dancer', in September 2022. The new version of the song was called 'Hold Me Closer' and included vocals from Britney Spears.
Speaking about the new song and working with Britney, he said: "I love her dearly and am delighted with what we've created together." In July 2022, it was reported that Elton John and Britney Spears had a 'secret' meeting at a recording studio in California to record a new version of Elton's classic track 'Tiny Dancer'. The news about the collaboration was later confirmed by both artists' representatives and the song's name was revealed to be 'Hold Me Closer'.
In the lead-up to the song dropping, Elton shared a video of a surprise performance he did at a restaurant in Cannes. In January 2025, the song went Platinum!
2022: Special edition Elton John Marmite
Starting in 2022, Marmite has released several special editions of Elton John themed products. Over the years, four different special edition versions have been released, the most recent was in 2025. Speaking about the partnership with Marmite, Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation said: "The Marmite partnership has provided a unique platform to raise awareness of our mission, and most importantly, their generous donation has enabled us to extend vital support and care to those most at risk of HIV, both in the UK and globally."
2023: Elton John Eyewear
In 2023 Elton John launched Elton John Eyewear. Despite claiming to have 20/20 vision the singer is known for his extravagant glasses. He designed 300 pairs with his husband David Furnish and had a pop-up shop in Soho. His eyewear range now available to buy online and a description of the range reads: 'Creating the Elton John Eyewear range took Elton on an incredible journey through his life, reliving both personal and musical milestones. He was personally involved in the design and realisation of every part of the collection.
'Elton John Eyewear comes in three collections inspired by periods in Elton's life; Academy, Rock 'n' Roll and Fame & Fortune. Discover the collections and the moments that made them below.'
Glastonbury 2023
It was announced that Elton John would headline Glastonbury Festival 2023, closing the festival on Sunday 25th June. This show was the final UK stop on his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour which is also the final tour of his career.
He performed an incredible set of over 20 songs in his two-hour slot and bringing out multiple guests to duet with in the show that marked the end of his touring days.
2023: Last date of the 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour
Elton John performed his last ever date for his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour in Stockholm, Sweden. During the gig, Coldplay joined Elton via a video link to pay tribute to the legendary artist.
2024: Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium
As well as releasing his Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: The Final Elton John Performances And The Years That Made His Legend documentary, Elton also shared a special livestream event through Disney+ called Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium in November 2022.
It captured the final show from the US leg of his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, where he played three shows and also was the host of his memorable 1975 performances featuring his iconic rhinestone encrusted Dodger's uniform.
In January 2024, the documentary won the Emmy for Best Variety Special (Live), meaning Elton gained the coveted EGOT status - a name given to those who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award. Elton became the 19th person to win an EGOT.
In March 2024, Elton and Bernie won the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The pair were presented with the award at an event in where they were honoured with a performance which included Annie Lennox, Joni Mitchell, Metallica and many more.
2024: Never Too Late documentary
In August 2024, Elton revealed there would be a new documentary available in cinemas and on Disney+ called Never Too Late. The documentary follows the 'Extraordinary highs and heartbreaking lows of his early years and how he overcame adversity, abuse and addiction'. It was released on Disney+ on 13th December 2024.
2025: Elton released a collaborative album with Brandi Carlile
In February 2025, Elton and Brandi Carlile announced they would be releasing a new album called 'Who Believes In Angels?'. The duo wrote the album together along with Bernie Taupin and producer Andrew Watt.
A month later, ITV announced they would be airing a special one-off show called An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile. The show, which was filmed on 26th March at the London Palladium featured live performances with a band, as well as captivating stories about the pair's careers and their enduring friendship. The show was hosted by their friend Dan Levy, best known for series Schitt's Creek.
2025: Touched by Gold documentary
In September 2025, the documentary Touched by Gold was released. The documentary featured Elton and followed his connection with gold throughout his career. The singer explained how gold has influenced his art, style, and individuality.
Watch the trailer.
2025: Elton John releases 50th anniversary edition of autobiographical album
In September 2025, Elton John announced he would be releasing a 50th anniversary special edition of his autobiographical album 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy'.
The new version of the album is out now and features the 2016 remaster of the 1975 original album, along with previously unreleased session demos, and Elton's live performance of tracks from the album which were recorded during 2005, for the album's 30th anniversary.
The new album also includes a 28 page booklet, containing sleeve notes and Elton's never-before-seen 1974 diary entries.
Now read:
A look back at some of Elton John's most iconic performances
Elton John's 'Captain Fantastic (50th Anniversary Edition)' is out now
12 of the best Elton John songs of all time