Elton John Puts Music Career on Hold After Severe Infection Causes Vision Loss

Elton John performs during the "Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour" at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, La., on Jan. 19, 2022. Erika Goldring/Getty Images

British musician Elton John is laying it all out on the table when it comes to his life story, beginning with his current health status.

In promoting his new Disney Plus documentary, “Elton John: Never Too Late,“ the 77-year-old sat down with ABC Network’s ”Good Morning America” (GMA) show and told how he’s still suffering from vision loss due to a severe eye infection.

“It’s been four months now since I haven’t been able to see, and my left eye’s not the greatest,” he said.

It began over the summer when he was performing in the South of France and lost eyesight in his right eye after contracting the infection.

“There’s hope and encouragement that it will be OK, but I’m kind of stuck at the moment, because I can do [an interview] like this, but going into the studio and recording, I don’t know, because I can’t see a lyric for a start,” he told GMA.

The “Rocket Man” singer expressed being taken aback by the severity of his condition but reaffirmed that together with his doctors, they are “taking an initiative” to treat his eye problems.

“It kind of floored me, and I can’t see anything. I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything,” he said.

The five-time Grammy winner previously shared his recovery process, writing in a September social media post that it has been “an extremely slow process.”

“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,” he wrote on Instagram.

“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.”

As for music, his last studio album of new material was released in 2016. However, during a speech at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame ceremony last year, he said he completed a new album with lyricist Bernie Taupin.

Meanwhile, John wrapped up his 50-year career with his final “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour” in July 2023, but he has had a history of health issues along the way, even postponing shows.

In 2021, he had difficulty moving his hip after sustaining injuries from a fall, ultimately leading to hip surgery.

In another instance, he took time off from his career and underwent treatment that included surgery for prostate cancer in 2017.

Following the procedure, he made a full recovery and has been cancer-free ever since.

More recently, John underwent knee replacement surgery in January, with a second one following two months later. This left him unable to attend the Emmys ceremony, where he completed his EGOT status after winning the Outstanding Variety Special (Live) category.

Looking back on his life, the musician told GMA that despite the challenges he has faced, he remains optimistic.

“I’ve been through so much, and I’ve come out the other side, but I’m always looking forward,” he said.

“Elton John: Never Too Late,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, will be available on the Disney Plus streaming service on Dec. 13.

The documentary will “pull back the curtain” on John’s storied career, reflecting on his rise to success, the personal challenges he faced, and his family dynamic. It will also feature behind-the-scenes concert footage.