Elton John‘s declining health leaves the 77-year-old star struggling to see these daysas he emotionally opens up about his struggles with worsening eyesight but declares he is determined to fight back.
John spoke candidly about his failing eyesight, noting how it has reshaped his understanding of those with visual impairments, as he struggles to see through one of his eyes following an infection.
Yet the iconic performer also valiantly declares his intent to fight back and return to form, pointing to his previous victories against other serious challenges such as addictions and even against his own health.
“I’ve got bad eyesight at the moment,” John shared to The Guardian. “There have been days where I’ve been miserable, but then I think about how lucky I am.
“I’ve got a new respect for sight-impaired people and people who are totally blind, some of whom I’m in touch with. But to hell with it, I’ve got a great life, and hopefully my sight will improve.
“What she’s saying is I’ve overcome a lot. This is not going to beat me. I’ve beaten addiction, I’ve beaten health issues, and I can pick myself up and dust myself off.”
John reveals he doesn’t listen to his own much
John also discussed his changing relationship with his music, despite being regarded as one of Britain’s finest ever voices, having sold over 300 million records around the globe and claiming five Grammy wins.
But in a shock to fans, the ageing soul admitted to BBC Radio 2’s The Scott Mills Breakfast Show, he admitted that he doesn’t often listen to his own work, despite his highly impressive legacy.
“I wouldn’t go and put my old music on,” John confessed. “I had to listen to that, but actually I really enjoyed it and I was quite surprised how good it was.
“We made 13 albums in that time plus singles, plus B-sides, and we toured, and we worked, and the momentum was incredible. I never watch anything about me because I just don’t like to look at myself very often.”