At the 62nd New York Film Festival, during the premiere of Elton John’s documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, the singer spoke candidly about his health and the years of performance that have carved wrinkles into a life spent under bright stage lights. Coverage of his remarks, identified by People in the reporting, captured a moment where a global icon reflected on aging while still carrying the energy that fans associate with his early hits and later classics. The scene underlined the gap between the electric showman audiences remember and the quieter, reflective person who now weighs the physical toll of a lifetime on tour and in studio. It was a rare glimpse into the human side of a performer whose songs have soundtracked countless moments of people decades apart, and it reminded viewers that even legends must contend with time.
To be honest, there isn’t much left of me. He listed several parts of the body that have been altered by time and medical interventions, noting the absence of tonsils, adenoids, and an appendix, and joking about not having a prostate or the right or left knees. The candor painted a portrait of a life lived on stage, where the body bears the marks of countless performances and the miles logged on tour buses, in airplanes, and in recording studios across continents. The moment resonated with fans who have watched a career evolve through changing voices, evolving genres, and a relentless work ethic, illustrating that even a superstar can face the practical realities of aging with a straight line of humor and grit.
The only organ in the artist’s body that has not been operated on is the left thigh. He added that he remains here, resilient and determined, despite ongoing health challenges. The mix of gratitude and frankness about what the body can and cannot do offered a grounded perspective on a career built on stamina, precision, and a willingness to adapt. For many listeners, this honest appraisal felt like a reminder that the heat of the spotlight is matched by the quiet work of nursing, recovery, and careful living that sustains a performer over decades.
However, since the artist is now 77 years old, he has decided to stop touring. He said he did everything he could throughout the decades of his career and succeeded in his musical mission, and he now intends to focus on his family and the life beyond the road. The shift is framed as a conscious turn toward happiness and bliss, a personal recalibration after years spent traveling, recording, and performing for audiences around the world. The decision reflects a broader trend among aging artists who weigh the thrill of live performance against the value of private time, legacy projects, and health.
Elton John in early September reported partial blindness caused by an eye infection. He said the healing process is slow and it will take time to restore vision in the affected eye. The update underscores the importance of eye health for performers who rely on visual cues from audiences, stage lighting, and intricate stage choreography. It also highlights how medical issues can intersect with artistic life, prompting adjustments to touring schedules, rehearsal timelines, and personal routines, all managed with the same level of attention he applies to music quality and showmanship.
Sir Elton John MBE has sold more than 300 million records during a five-decade career. Fifty-two of his singles reached the top 40 in the UK and 23 reached the top 40 in the United States; 16 of these reached the top ten and six reached number one. One of the most enduring chart toppers, 1997’s Candle in the Wind, sold about 37 million copies and remains a milestone in pop music history. These numbers reflect a singular arc of success that has blended pop sensibility with grand storytelling, and they continue to be cited in discussions about expansive discographies and the impact of a lifelong writer and performer on global music culture.
Previously reported he said that Vasily Livanov showed signs of respiratory failure.