Elton John has shared the extent of his visual impairment, saying he can no longer see his sons playing sport.

Sir Elton, aged 78, announced in November 2024 that his new album, Who Believes in Angels? which he recorded with Brandi Carlile, would be delayed due to his losing sight in his right eye after catching an infection.

This weekend he told The Times of London newspaper:

“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. You get emotional, but you have to get used to it because I’m lucky to have the life I have. I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of here [his left eye]. So you say to yourself, just get on with it.”

Sir Elton confirmed that he was happy spending time with his husband David Furnish and two sons Zachary and Elijah, and had given up touring following his triumphant headlining gig at Glastonbury Festival in 2023. He said:

“I couldn’t do a better show than Glastonbury 2023, so what would be the point? You have to know when to fold it.

“I used to do 120 shows a year. No wonder these little fingers have had it… I’m riddled with music. It is the greatest gift I have ever been given and here I am at 78, feeling better than I have ever been. This is a b*****d” [pointing at his eyes] “but we’ll get over it. There is a lot more to do.”

The new album has been well received by critics, with fans saying Sir Elton’s voice is stronger than it has sounded in decades.