Elton John, the legendary singer and composer, has revealed that an eye infection he contracted over the summer has severely impacted his vision, making it difficult for him to watch his own musical, The Devil Wears Prada. Speaking at a charity gala performance of the musical in London on Sunday, John, 77, shared his struggles with the audience.
“I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I have lost my eyesight,” John confessed. “So it’s hard for me to see it, but I love to hear it and, boy, it sounded good tonight,” he added, expressing his appreciation for the production despite his inability to fully see it.
Health Struggles and Limited Vision
In September, Elton John had shared on Instagram that the eye infection had left him with “only limited vision in one eye,” adding that he was healing, but the process was slow. He revealed that the infection had caused complete blindness in his right eye, with his left eye also affected. Speaking to ABC News last month, he explained, “My left eye is not the greatest,” acknowledging the significant toll the infection had taken on his sight.
Despite the challenges, John remains optimistic about his recovery, though he noted it would take time for his vision to return to normal in the affected eye.
Musical Adaptation and Celebrity Guests
The Devil Wears Prada, a stage adaptation of the 2006 film, is a major new project for Elton John, who composed the score for the musical. US singer Vanessa Williams stars as the feared fashion magazine editor, Miranda Priestly, a role she relishes. “I said I wanted to be a part of it because I could create the role and that means that you’re informing the script, the music, the choreography, all the action,” Williams shared with the media earlier this week.
The Sunday gala performance also saw the presence of notable fashion figures, including Anna Wintour and Donatella Versace, adding further glamour to the event.
A Long Career and a New Chapter
Elton John’s health issues come after he wrapped up his global farewell tour in 2022 and 2023, with his final performances including a memorable show at the Glastonbury Festival in the UK and his last-ever concert in Sweden. Despite his vision challenges, John’s influence continues to be felt in both music and theater, and fans are hopeful for his full recovery.
