Elton John Says Tammy Faye Musical Failed Due To Politics

Elton John believes his musical Tammy Faye flopped on Broadway because it was "too political for America." The legendary singer-songwriter recently shared his thoughts with The Sunday Times on the show’s short-lived run, saying, "We put out two musicals recently, one a huge flop in America and the other a huge hit in England." John compared Tammy Faye to his other musical, The Devil Wears Prada, which is currently a hit in London's West End.

"Tammy Faye came out during the U.S. election, and it’s all about how the integration of church and state ruined America, which Ronald Reagan did," John explained. "It was too political for America. They don’t really get irony." The production, which featured John's music and was produced by him, opened on Broadway on November 14 and closed on December 8, just weeks after its debut at the Palace Theatre in New York City.

Despite its earlier success in London, where it earned four Olivier Awards nominations, the Broadway version received mixed to negative reviews. John expressed his disappointment, noting that it ultimately failed to capture an audience. "We put out two musicals recently, one a huge flop in America and the other a huge hit in England," he reiterated, emphasizing the stark contrast in reception.

In the interview, John reflected on the timing of the musical's release, linking it to the political climate in the United States at the time. He suggested that the heavy themes surrounding church and state integration might have been too much for American audiences, particularly given the context of the U.S. elections.

Elton John has long been fascinated by the story of Tammy Faye Bakker, the famous televangelist whose life was marked by both great success and significant public scrutiny. "I was always incredibly fascinated by her story," he told The Hollywood Reporter last year. "So when we got the chance to write the musical, I jumped at it, because I love interesting people like that who have had great success and then been banished and lost everything, and then come back because of their faith and because of their belief, and turn the tables." This deep interest in Bakker's tumultuous life and career inspired the musical's creation.

However, John's career is not solely defined by this recent setback. He has recently wrapped his "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour in July 2023, marking the end of an era in his live performances. In light of this, he has addressed rumors about retiring from music, which he considers to be exaggerated. "To go back and do an Elton John set on tour, I would just kill myself," he stated. "I couldn’t do a better show than Glastonbury 2023, so what would be the point? You have to know when to fold it."

John's candidness about his feelings toward touring reflects a broader sentiment among artists who grapple with the pressures of constant performance. He noted that even a recent visit to a major arena triggered anxiety, as he recalled, "We drove into the back of a big arena and I turned to David and said, ‘You know, I’ve got hives.’" His reluctance to return to the stage is further compounded by health concerns; an eye infection he contracted in November has significantly impacted his eyesight, making it difficult for him to enjoy activities he once took for granted.

"I can see you, but I can’t see TV, I can’t read. I can’t see my boys playing rugby and soccer, and it has been a very stressful time because I’m used to soaking it all up. It’s distressing," he shared, revealing the emotional toll this has taken on his life.

Despite these challenges, John remains active in music. His latest album, a collaborative effort with Brandi Carlile titled Who Believes in Angels?, was released on April 4, 2025. This new project showcases his enduring creativity and commitment to his craft, even as he navigates the complexities of fame and personal health.

As the world continues to grapple with the intersection of politics and art, John's reflections on Tammy Faye serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges artists face when their work engages with significant societal issues. The reception of the musical highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and audience expectations, especially in a politically charged environment.

In conclusion, Elton John's experience with Tammy Faye on Broadway underscores the complexities of presenting politically charged narratives in American theater. As he moves forward, both in his personal life and professional endeavors, his insights will likely resonate with many artists grappling with similar challenges.