Sir Elton John, the iconic musician known for his flamboyant style and incredible musical contributions, recently opened up about his thoughts on mortality and legacy as he nears the end of his celebrated career. The 77-year-old singer reflects on the significant health challenges he has faced, particularly highlighted by his latest documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late, which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival earlier this month.
Elton's documentary offers fans intimate glimpses of his life and career, including pivotal moments spanning over five decades. While speaking from Dodger Stadium, the very venue where he captivated over 100,000 fans during his historic 1975 concert, he pondered the future: "I wonder what is going to happen to all of this stuff when I finish? This is the latter time of my life. I don’t know how much time I have left." This candid reflection embodies the essence of his current mindset as he embarks on the final leg of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from the vulnerabilities Elton has faced. He has undergone numerous surgeries over the years, including multiple hip replacements and prostate cancer treatment. He humorously remarked on his diminished physical state, stating, "I don’t have tonsils, adenoids, or appendix. I don’t have a prostate. I don’t have my right hip, left knee, or right knee. The only thing left to me is my left hip. But I’m still here." His humor masks the real struggles he has encountered, reflecting resilience and determination.
Notably, the film allows audiences to witness how these health issues weigh on his thoughts about the future, especially concerning his family. Elton has two children, Zachary and Elijah, with his husband David Furnish. He expressed the desires of his boys, saying they worry about his health and longevity, as kids do when they love their parents deeply. "They want me to be around forever. I want to see them have children, get married, but I don’t think I am going to be around for those things.” Despite this, he emphasizes the precious nature of the time spent together, urging himself to make the most of every moment.
Directors RJ Cutler and David Furnish aimed to encapsulate Elton’s incredibly colorful legacy, along with the darker undertones involving his personal challenges. The life he has led has included not just triumphs but also significant struggles, including childhood abuse and battles with addiction. The transparency he offers about his past—including his experience of violence as a child—serves to remind viewers of the complex life journeys many individuals endure. During the film, he shared how music has served as both his refuge and his downfall, tying his narrative arc back to the very essence of who he is as both artist and man.
Sir Elton John's heartfelt remarks during the documentary highlight not only his vulnerability but also the importance he places on family relationships. Speaking at the film premiere, he emphasized, "I’m married to my work; I love music. Music saved me when I was happy; it saved me when I was miserable." This reiteration of the importance of family and personal connections over professional accolades establishes the values he stands by today.
A significant theme throughout Never Too Late is the evolution of his identity as both a musical legend and devoted family man. Elton's husband, David Furnish, describes the film as charting John's transformation from global superstar to loving father and partner. The emotional depth of the documentary signifies the balance Elton aims to maintain between his musical aspirations and the treasured experiences he shares with his family.
Viewer reactions during the film festival premiere underscored the impact of Elton's story, evoking applause and even tears among attendees. The ethos behind John's work transcends the flashy exterior often associated with his performances; it connects directly to the heart, encapsulating his humanity and relatability. Between stellar performances and genuine moments portrayed through the lens of his life experiences, audiences are left feeling uplifted yet reflective.
This pivotal time of reflection, coinciding with the end of his tour, positions Sir Elton John as not just another fading rock star but as an individual grappling with universal themes of mortality, legacy, and the bonds of family. With the documentary airing on Disney+ on December 13, fans worldwide can gain insight not just about his legendary career, but also about the person behind the persona. It's framed within the broader conversation of what it means to truly live and leave behind something meaningful.
Through his artistry and narrative, Elton John invites us to explore our own relationships and how we measure what is left behind when we eventually say goodbye. He poignantly captures the sentiments of someone who has lived life to the fullest, cherishing the moments spent not just onstage but at home with the ones he loves. Whether it’s with family, music, or cherished experiences, Elton reflects the belief: Life is about making every second count.
