Sir Elton John, the iconic musician, recently opened up about his life, family, and career during an interview on Smooth Radio. At 78, John reflected on his past, particularly his struggles with drug use, and shared heartfelt thoughts about fatherhood and his future in music.
In a candid conversation with presenter Kate Garraway, John expressed a poignant message he would give to his younger self: "Never take drugs." He acknowledged that drug use had a significant impact on his life, stating, "I mean, I took drugs. It took me down, and then when I recovered, I had to go through that journey to become the person I am. But I wouldn't have wanted to go through all that, but it did land me up where I am now." He emphasized the importance of appreciating music, which has been a constant in his life, saying, "Music has been in my entire life. It's been with me when I've been up, been down, depressed, but I still went out there and made music, I recorded, I toured, and it saved me. It nearly destroyed me, but it saved me."
Elton John, who shares two sons, Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12, with his husband David Furnish, expressed immense pride in his children. He described them as polite and well-behaved, stating, "I am so proud of them because they're polite... They love their sports. They're just, I'm so proud of them. Yeah, they have their moments. But, you know, who didn't?" This pride extends to his decision to step back from touring to spend more time with his family. "I do not regret stopping touring to spend time with them whatsoever. They are our life," he said, highlighting his commitment to fatherhood.
Despite stepping back from the rigors of touring, John remains active in the music scene. He is currently involved in several projects, including working on the West End musical "The Devil Wears Prada" and promoting his new album, "Who Believes in Angels?" a collaboration with American singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile. The two recently performed at the London Palladium, an event that was filmed for a special airing on ITV on April 19, 2025. John described the performance as one of the best experiences of his career, saying, "[It] is one of the best things I’ve ever ever done."
John's relationship with Carlile has been particularly fruitful, as they have collaborated on music that reflects both their artistry. However, he has also been candid about the challenges of working in the studio. He recounted a moment of frustration during recording, admitting to a fit of rage where he slammed his headphones and threatened to leave the session. "They stood up to me and I got frustrated, but it’s not good working with yes people," he explained. This moment of self-awareness underscores John's desire for authenticity and excellence in his work.
Looking to the future, John has expressed interest in exploring new musical avenues, including a potential album of pop songs. He mentioned his successful collaboration with Dua Lipa on the track "Cold Heart," saying, "I liked the Dua Lipa thing. I’ve done a new, banging dance tune and I want to do an album of pop songs." However, he also expressed caution about the current state of pop music, referring to it as a "fatberg in the singles chart right now because they just sit there."
As he continues to navigate his career and personal life, John remains focused on the joys and challenges of being a father. His reflections reveal a man who has not only experienced great success but has also learned valuable lessons along the way. His openness about his past struggles with drugs and his commitment to his family resonate deeply, making him a relatable figure to many.
Moreover, John's resolve to prioritize family over the demands of touring highlights a significant shift in his life. He has made it clear that while music remains his passion, his role as a father takes precedence. "The biggest challenge [in life] of course is being a parent, and it’s the most wonderful challenge you’ll ever have," he said, encapsulating the duality of his existence as both a music legend and a devoted father.
In summary, Sir Elton John's recent revelations about his life, from his struggles with addiction to his pride in his children, paint a picture of a man who values personal growth and family above all. As he continues to create music and share experiences with his fans, his journey serves as an inspiration to many who look up to him.
