Elton John: Find out more about the legendary musician
He's given us some of the most iconic songs of all time
Spanning more than 50 years, Elton John’s career has firmly established him as one of pop music’s most iconic, best-selling, and flamboyant stars. Born Reginald Dwight, the legendary performer has gifted the world timeless songs like 'Sacrifice', 'Rocket Man' and 'Your Song'.
Most recently, following problems with his eyesight due to a severe infection, Elton has re-released his iconic 1975 album 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy', for its 50th anniversary. This follows his collaborative album with Brandi Carlile, released earlier this year, along with the song 'Who Believes in Angels?'. As the singer continues to release music, even hinting at a collaboration with Madonna, let's find out more about THE Elton John.
Who is Elton John?
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE is the only child of Sheila Dwight and former RAF trumpeter Stanley Dwight. He started playing the piano at just three-years-old and he was so good at it by the age of 11, that he won a junior scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music.
What's Elton John's birth name?
Reginald Kenneth Dwight is Elton's real name and the story of how he got his showbiz name is pretty interesting. Aged 15, Reginald joined the band Bluesology which was formed by Long John Baldry, the band also featured future Soft Machine member Elton Dean.
Reginald took their first names and joined them together after he left the band. But it was with Bluesology that Elton learned his skill, when the band backed touring American musicians including The Isley Brothers and Patti LaBelle among many others.
When is his birthday?
He was born on 25th March 1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, making him currently 78-years-old.
How did his solo career start?
After failing an audition for Liberty Records, the label’s A&R manager gave Elton an unopened envelope of lyrics from an unknown writer called Bernie Taupin (who also failed the audition). Intrigued, Elton put music to the words and mailed the song to Bernie. The pair hooked up shortly professionally, wrote ‘Scarecrow’ and so embarked on a musical partnership that has lasted until today.
Who was his manager?
John Reid was Elton John's manager, as well as being the manager for iconic rock band Queen. He managed Elton John until 1998. John was also Elton's partner and although their relationship only lasted five years, their musical partnership went on much longer.
However, it is believed John leaked a document showing Elton's spending which was later published in the tabloid press. As a result, Elton took John to court in 2000 and he was forced to pay out over £3 million to Elton.
Elton John’s chart success
Amazingly, not a year has gone by since 1970, that Elton John hasn’t been a chart presence in the UK and US charts. His run of 70s singles dominated the charts on both sides of the Atlantic and some his biggest hits of the period include ‘Tiny Dancer’, ‘Rocket Man’, ‘Your Song’, ‘Crocodile Rock’ and ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’.
Despite his global success, none of Elton John’s singles as a solo artist made it to Number 1 in the UK during this period. He finally hit pole position in 1976 with the Kiki Dee duet, ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’. Indeed, he’d have to wait until 1990 before he had his first solo Number 1 with ‘Sacrifice’.
It was a completely different story in the US where he scored five Number 1s in the 70s with ‘Crocodile Rock’, ‘Bennie And The Jets’, ‘Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds’, ‘Philadelphia Freedom’ and ‘Island Girl’. He also snuck into the top slot with John Lennon by playing piano on ‘Whatever Gets You Through The Night’.
Unlike many of his 70s contemporaries, Elton John weathered the 80s well. A purple patch of creativity saw him notch up huge hits with ‘Blue Eyes’, ‘I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues’ and ‘Nikita’ among others.
Elton John’s third Number 1 was the 1991 duet with George Michael, ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’. Elton also hooked up with Guns ‘N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose and the surviving members of Queen for a fantastic version of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium in 1992.
By now, Elton John had become something of a national treasure so it was hardly surprising that the country turned to him following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. His tribute, ‘Candle In The Wind 1997’, was performed at her funeral and the single, which raised money for Diana’s favourite charities, became the second-highest selling single of all time, behind Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas’.
In the years since the millennium, we have seen Elton John keeping up his chart presence. Elton made his way back to the top of the charts for the first time in 16 years with his single 'Cold Heart (Pnau Remix)' with Dua Lipa. The song reworked his songs 'Sacrifice', 'Rocket Man' and 'Kiss the Bride'.
In November 2018, Elton John was revealed as the star of the 2018 John Lewis Christmas advert, the advert also included his popular hit 'Your Song'.
Elton John’s biggest duets and collaborations
Throughout his decade-spanning career, Elton John has worked with so many amazing musicians. From John Lennon in 1974 to Brandi Carlile in 2025, he's had hits with some big names in music! Here are some of Elton John's biggest collaborations to date.
In April 2025, Elton and Madonna teased a collaboration after the pair reconciled following a feud that lasted more than two decades, however nothing has been confirmed.
How many BRIT Awards has he won?
Elton's song 'Cold Heart (Pnau Remix)' with Dua Lipa was such a huge hit that it was nominated for Song of the Year in the 2022 BRIT Awards, but in the end Adele won with 'Easy On Me'.
Elton has however won five BRIT Awards in total, he won the following awards: Outstanding Contribution to Music (1986), British Male Solo Artist (1991), Outstanding Contribution to Music (1995), Freddie Mercury Award (1998) and BRITs Icon Award (2014).
Other major music awards
Along with winning several BRIT Awards, Elton has won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song in 1994 ('Can You Feel the Love Tonight', The Lion King) and 2019 ('(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again', Rocketman).
He's also won an Emmy Award for Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium in 2023, in the category of Outstanding Variety Special (Live).
Elton has also picked up a massive 35 Grammy nominations dating all the way back to 1971 at the 13th Grammys. And he's won five awards listed below.
- Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for 'That's What Friends Are For' (1986)
- Best Instrumental Composition for 'Basque' (1992)
- Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' (1995)
- Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for 'Candle in the Wind 1997' (1998)
- Best Musical Show Album for Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida (2001)
'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy'
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.
Elton John and Brandi Carlile's collaborative album
In February 2025, Elton and Brandi announced they would be releasing an album together called 'Who Believes In Angels?'. The pair joined Greatest Hits Radio and Magic Radio to talk about working together.
Elton told Simon Mayo on Greatest Hits Radio, the album was a risk, he explained: "It was a risk, but it was a risk I wanted to take long before we made the album. The tour finished in July and then we went into the studio in October (2024), with nothing written, with Bernie Taupin and Andrew Watt the producer.
"So the four of us went in and I've never made an album under those circumstances before, it's just usually Bernie and me and a producer. But, there were four of us with all different ideas, throwing them around and it was difficult for me to come to grips with it at first, because I was a little tired. I was very nervous, I was filled with a lot of self doubt, because I wanted the album to be really successful, and I knew what I wanted it to sound like."
Elton also spoke to Nicki Chapman on Magic Radio saying: "If I was going to do a record with Brandi, it had to be a proper duet record and not one line here and one line there. It had to be harmonised, it had to be sounding fresh, even though, as I said before, the songs are classical kind of songs in the way they're formed, but I knew what I wanted, but sometimes you can't get that in the studio."
ITV also announced a show called An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile, which aired after the release of their album. The show featured live performances from the duo, as well as some of their solo hits, and stories about their careers and friendships.
Elton John's biopic Rocketman
Rocketman is a film about Elton John's life. The film was released in May 2019 and stars Taron Egerton as Elton John, with Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, and Bryce Dallas Howard also starring alongside him.
Richard Madden stars as Elton’s first manager, whilst Jamie Bell plays Elton’s longtime lyricist and writing partner Bernie Taupin.
Based on a 'true fantasy', Rocketman is an epic musical fantasy about Elton John’s breakthrough years. The film follows the music icon's journey of transformation from a shy piano prodigy real name Reginald Dwight, into the international superstar we know today.
The film had its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in France and after the premiere, Elton John and Taron Egerton took to the stage on the beach in Cannes to perform 'Rocket Man'.
Now take a look at who stars in Rocketman:
Taron Egerton as Elton John
Welsh actor Taron Egerton played Elton John in the film about his life. Luckily, Taron is already an accomplished singer, so didn't need a lot of coaching on that aspect of taking on the role.
He's best known for his role as Gary "Eggsy" Unwin in both Kingsman and its sequel, The Golden Circle. He also had a role in Legend opposite Tom Hardy, and played the titular character in Eddie the Eagle opposite Hugh Jackman.
Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin
Jamie Bell stars as Bernie Taupin, Elton's songwriting partner. After meeting in 1967, the pair have now worked together on more than 30 albums.
Of course, film fans will recognise Jamie as the titular role in Billy Elliot, a film he starred in at the age of just 13. He also starred in 2005's King Kong, The Adventures of Tintin and Fantastic Four.
Richard Madden as John Reid
Richard Madden portrays Elton's long-time music manager and former lover, John Reid. Not only did he manage Elton for over 20 years, but he also spent three years looking after Queen in their early days.
Richard is also know for his role as Sgt David Budd in Bodyguard, but rose to prominence after starring as Robb Stark in internationally-acclaimed TV series, Game Of Thrones. He has also had a career in theatre.
Bryce Dallas Howard as Sheila Eileen
Bryce Dallas Howard plays the role of Elton's mum, Sheila Eileen. Although she and Elton did not get on for a long time, they reconciled towards the end of her life, and she was a big part of his Christmas advert for M&S in 2018.
Bryce herself has the film industry in her blood, as she's the daughter of prolific film director Ron Howard. Although she's had many roles, she's known for playing Claire Dearing in the Jurassic World reboot film series opposite Chris Pratt.
Stephen Graham as Dick James
Stephen Graham portrays Dick James in the film, a British music publisher who signed Elton to his label and encouraged him to use a stage name.
Fans of This Is England will recognise Stephen as Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne, but many others may know him as Tommy from 2000 film Snatch. He's also known for his hit Netflix show Adolescence which won several Emmys in 2025.
Gemma Jones as Ivy
Gemma Jones plays Ivy in the film, Elton's grandmother. In fact, it was Ivy's piano that Elton first learned to play on at the age of three. He was partly raised by her along with his mother as his father was away with the RAF.
Gemma has had a long and successful career in acting, and after playing Mrs Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility opposite Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, starred as Bridget's mum Pam in the film series. She also played nurse Madame Pomfrey in the Harry Potter film franchise.
Tate Donovan as Doug Weston
Tate Donovan plays Doug Weston in Rocketman, the owner of nightclub The Troubadour in Los Angeles, California, which played an important role in making Elton's career a success.
Tate is a rather well-known actor, and many will recognise him as the voice of Hercules in the 1997 Disney film. Alternatively, Tate was memorable as Rachel Green's boyfriend Joshua in TV series, Friends. He also had a main role in Argo, starring and directed by Ben Affleck.
Has he played Glastonbury?
He has now! Although he'd surprisingly never played one of the UK's biggest festivals before, Elton was announced as a headline act at Glastonbury 2023, closing the festival on the Sunday evening - as well as it being the final UK stop on his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour.
He went on to give the performance of a lifetime, delighting fans with his classics as well as some new tracks, even bringing out guests to duet with him.
Why didn't he perform live at the Platinum Jubilee Concert?
Elton was confirmed as a performer for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Concert when the full-line up was revealed on 18th May 2022, and he tweeted to say: 'Join me for an unforgettable night at the Platinum Party at the Palace to celebrate some of the most significant moments from The Queen’s seven decade reign.'
Fans were left confused when Elton's performance turned out to be pre-recorded. The video of him singing a beautiful rendition of his classic track 'Your Song' was projected onto Buckingham Palace.
Despite the amazing show, fans were left worried about Elton, fearing he might not have been well enough to perform. The real reason he wasn't there in person though, is that he had just begun the European leg of his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour and he didn't want to reschedule anymore of his tour dates.
The singer also addressed fans' concerns about his health in an Instagram post, after he had been spotted in a wheelchair at one of his shows. He wrote: 'I’m in top health, loving my shows and playing and singing at my very best. I give 100% every night and never want to disappoint, especially after everyone has waited so long to get back to seeing shows.'
Does he own Watford FC?
Elton John is the honorary lifetime president of Watford FC, having once declared that the football club "saved his life". Elton was previously the Watford FC chairman and director in 1976 and eventually sold the club in 1987.
Back in 2018, Elton John's eldest son joined the football club as part of their academy aged 7.
In December 2023, Elton and Ed Sheeran went to see Watford and Ipswich play, to celebrate the second anniversary of their collaboration 'Merry Christmas'.
Then, September 2025, Watford unveiled a new kit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Elton taking over as chairman.
Sharing photos of the kit, Sky Sports Football wrote on Instagram: 'Watford have unveiled a special edition kit to mark the start of the club's celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Sir Elton John taking over as chairman of his boyhood club 💙🎶'.
Is he married?
Elton John has been married twice. His first marriage was to German recording engineer Renate Blauel and they tied the knot on Valentine’s Day 1984 in Darling Point, Sydney. Despite Elton having come out as bisexual in 1976, eyebrows were still raised. When the couple divorced in 1988, he said that he was comfortable being gay.
He’s been with David Furnish since 1993. They were among the first couples in the UK to enter into a civil partnership when the Civil Partnership Act came into effect in 2005.
When gay marriage became legal in England, the pair got married on 21st December 2014, nine years to the day since their civil partnership.
Does he have children?
Elton and David have two sons, Zachary and Elijah. Elton John is also godfather to Sean Lennon, David and Victoria Beckham’s sons Brooklyn and Romeo, and Elizabeth Hurley’s son Damien.
Problems with Elton's eyesight
In September 2024, Elton revealed to fans that he had been suffering from a severe eye infection, which affected his sight. More than a year later, in an interview with Variety, the singer opened up about the infection, saying: "I lost (sight in) 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."
Is there a book about him?
Over the years, many writers have composed biographies about Elton but you're best off getting all the gossip straight from the horse's mouth. The Elton John autobiography, Me, was released in October 2019 and it went on to become a best seller across the world. From his early life and his huge rise to stardom to the loves of his life, Me by Sir Elton John is a must read for any fan.
What is the Elton John Oscars party?
Every year, Elton John hosts a party before the Oscars with a star-studded guest list. The profits from the event go to the Elton John AIDS Foundation which is working to end the AIDS epidemic and support those living with HIV.
The party has gone ahead every year since 1993, with the exception of 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions. Elton and his husband David instead invited fans to join them virtually to watch the performances live.
His decision to leave Twitter/X
Despite regularly using the platform to stay in touch with fans, in December 2022, Elton John announced that he would no longer be using Twitter due to a change in their policy.
He wrote: 'All my life I’ve tried to use music to bring people together. Yet it saddens me to see how misinformation is now being used to divide our world.
'I’ve decided to no longer use Twitter, given their recent change in policy which will allow misinformation to flourish unchecked.'
As of October 2025, Elton has not posted on X as it is now known, since December 2022.
Where can I listen to Elton John's music?
You can hear Elton John's best songs and other great hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s on Greatest Hits Radio.
Take a look through 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.
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