Elton John has disclosed that an eye infection he contracted over the summer has severely impacted his vision, preventing him from attending previews of his new musical, The Devil Wears Prada.
Speaking at a charity gala performance of the show in London on Sunday, the 77-year-old music legend told the audience, “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.”
The Rocket Man singer first shared news of his condition on Instagram in September, revealing that the infection had left him with limited vision in one eye. “I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye,” he wrote.
In an interview with ABC News last month, John explained that the infection had rendered him blind in his right eye while his left eye was already impaired.
Despite his health challenges, John remains committed to his work. His latest project, a stage adaptation of the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, features Vanessa Williams as the iconic fashion editor Miranda Priestly. Williams shared her enthusiasm for the role, saying, “I wanted to be a part of it because I could create the role and inform the script, music, choreography, and all the action.”
The gala performance drew notable figures from the fashion world, including Anna Wintour and Donatella Versace, adding a touch of glamour to the event.
Elton John retired from live performances following his global farewell tour, which concluded in 2023 with his final UK appearance at Glastonbury and a last-ever show in Sweden.