S Poddar
The ever-so-blessed star, Elton John, one of the musical legends of history, shared with us the difficulties arising from vision loss. Last night, 77-year-old Elton, who composed The Devil Wears Prada, performed it at a great gala where he told of not being able to see.
In his address on stage, John profusely thanked his husband, David Furnish, for standing by him during this challenging period. “David has been my rock,” he said. “I haven’t been able to attend many of the previews because, as you know, I’ve lost my eyesight. So it’s hard for me to see it. But I love to hear it, and boy, it sounded good tonight.”
This is a touching moment that comes a long time since John revealed the seriousness of his health condition. In July, while in France, he contracted a serious eye infection that fully blinded one eye and left his second eye with limited vision.
He addressed fans in September through a social media statement, updating them on his condition. “I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye,” he wrote. He was thankful, adding, “I am so thankful for the excellent team of doctors and nurses and for my family, who have taken such good care of me over these last several weeks.”
Still, John remains hopeful about recovery, though the road ahead is uncertain. Last week, he spoke to Good Morning America about how his vision problems affected his ability to create music with his long-time collaborator, Bernie Taupin.
“I lost my eyesight in my right eye back in July due to an infection while I was in the south of France, and it’s been four months now. My left eye isn’t in great shape either,” he said. “There’s hope and encouragement that it will improve, but right now, I’m stuck.”. I can do interviews like this, but when it comes to going into the studio and recording, it’s hard because I can’t even see the lyrics.
Although this setback has delayed his next album, John’s commitment to music remains firm. His enthusiasm was reflected during the Sunday gala in London’s Dominion Theatre at the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada in the West End. It was also a fundraiser for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, making another indication of the singer’s charity commitment.
This production is based on Lauren Weisberger’s best-selling novel, which was later turned into a hit film. It follows the journey of Andy, a young journalist who gets a job as the assistant to Miranda Priestly, a demanding and iconic fashion magazine editor. In the musical, Priestly is played by Vanessa Williams, who gives a new flavor to the character.
One of the highest-profile celebrities on hand was Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, long rumored to have loosely inspired the character of Miranda Priestly. Speaking to the BBC on the red carpet, Wintour remained diplomatic about the parallels, stating, “It’s for the audience and for the people I work with to decide if they see any resemblance.”
The evening celebrated the fusion of fashion, music, and theater, with luminaries from across industries gathering to support the cause and honor John’s artistic legacy. Yet, the occasion also underscored the poignant reality of the musician’s current struggles.
John’s fight against his loss of vision is just another chapter in the book of a life marked both by great triumphs and mighty challenges. From the top record-breaking songs to his activism battling HIV/AIDS, he continues to inspire thousands of fans worldwide. As this man’s sight fades, so fades not his talent to create music and unite people.
While the future of his vision remains uncertain, Elton John’s resilience and enduring spirit are testaments to his determination. As he once sang, “I’m still standing,” and even now, he continues to prove that his influence and legacy extend far beyond what meets the eye.
