Elton John, the 77-year-old singer-songwriter, revealed that he is suffering significant vision loss due to an infection, impacting his ability to watch his latest musical endeavor, as he shared during the opening night of “The Devil Wears Prada” musical in London on Sunday.
John addressed the audience, explaining his absence from many of the musical’s previews, stating, “I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I have lost my eyesight.” Despite this challenge, he expressed his enjoyment of the musical’s audio, noting, “So it’s hard for me to see it, but I love to hear it and, boy, it sounded good tonight.”
In September, John disclosed on Instagram that an infection had severely limited his vision in one eye. He described the healing process as “extremely slow” and mentioned that it would take time before his sight could be fully restored in the affected eye. The singer remains hopeful for improvement in the future.
“The Devil Wears Prada” musical, for which John composed the score, draws inspiration from the 2006 film about a young journalist’s journey in the fashion world. The production is staged at London’s Dominion Theatre and stars Vanessa Williams in the role of the formidable editor Miranda Priestly, a character originally portrayed by Meryl Streep in the movie.
The musical’s gala opening was not just an artistic event but also served as a fundraiser for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The evening attracted an array of celebrities and individuals from the fashion industry, including renowned designer Donatella Versace and former Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Wintour, who is often speculated to be the inspiration behind the Priestly character, described the musical as “entertaining.”
John’s condition has undoubtedly added a layer of complexity to his personal and professional life. Yet, his passion for music and dedication to his projects remains undiminished. The acclaimed artist continues to be an influential figure in both the music and humanitarian arenas, with his foundation working tirelessly to combat AIDS worldwide.
His struggle with vision impairment is not entirely new, as John has faced various health challenges over the years. Despite these obstacles, he has shown resilience and commitment to his craft and charitable efforts. His latest project, “The Devil Wears Prada,” is another testament to his enduring influence and creativity in the entertainment industry.