Monday, December 23, 2024

‘I have lost my eyesight’: Elton John unable to watch premiere of his new musical

Must read

Sir Elton John was unable to watch the premiere of a new West End musical he wrote lyrics for due to losing his eyesight.

The 77-year-old told the audience at the gala night for The Devil Wears Prada musical at the Dominion Theatre in London “it is hard for me to see it [the show] but I love to hear it”.

Sir Elton, who has written the score for the musical, which is an adaptation of the film and book of the same name, added: “I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I have lost my eyesight.”

He was accompanied off-stage by his husband David Furnish on Sunday, who the singer said was his “rock”.

Image:
(L-R) David Furnish, Elizabeth Hurley, Sir Elton John and Damian Hurley at the charity gala night. Pic: Dave Benett/Getty

Last week, the singer said his sight loss has meant he is also unable to finish his latest album, which he started creating alongside his long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin.

He admitted during an interview on ABC News’ Good Morning America that he was okay to do interviews, but was unable to read or watch anything.

Anna Wintour attends the opening for the musical The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre, London. Picture date: Sunday December 1, 2024.
Image:
Anna Wintour at the opening of The Devil Wears Prada musical. Pic: PA

Sir Elton first revealed he was struggling with his sight in an Instagram post back in September, after he said he had suffered from an infection in one of his eyes.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

David Furnish on husband Elton John’s life

Read more from Sky News:
Gregg Wallace allegations ‘tip of the iceberg’

Former snooker world champion dies
British Museum’s ‘private meetings’ on Elgin Marbles

At the time, he said he was “healing”, but that the recovery process is “extremely slow” and “it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye”.

Sunday’s London gala attracted a host of famous faces, including Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, Italian designer Donatella Versace and Emily In Paris star Lily Collins.

Latest article