You’ve probably seen the headlines. Sir Elton John, the man who spent five decades basically glued to a piano stool in front of millions, has been oddly quiet lately. Or has he? If you’re looking for Elton John recent news, the story isn’t just about a retired legend tending to his garden in Windsor. It’s actually a mix of some pretty scary health updates and a creative "second act" that nobody really saw coming.
Honestly, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. One minute he's at a glitzy premiere, and the next, he’s admitting he can’t see the screen. Here is the lowdown on what is actually going on with the Rocket Man right now.
The Reality of Elton’s "Devastating" Health Struggles
Let’s get the heavy stuff out of the way first. In late 2025 and heading into early 2026, Elton has been remarkably candid about his eyesight. He’s been dealing with a severe eye infection that started back in the summer of 2024 while he was in the south of France. It wasn't just a minor thing. It left him completely blind in his right eye, and his left eye isn't doing much better.
Imagine being Elton John and not being able to read a lyric sheet or see the faces in the front row. He described the last 15 months as "devastating" and "challenging."
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He’s 78 now. He’s joked before that "there’s not much of me left"—pointing out he has no prostate, no tonsils, and a couple of fake knees. But the sight loss is the thing that’s really slowed him down. He told Variety that he has to be patient and hope that science eventually catches up to help him out. It’s a weirdly stoic vibe for a guy known for being so flamboyant, but he says he’s looking at it like the early days of the AIDS crisis: you just keep battering the door down until things improve.
Wait, Is He Actually Done with Touring?
Sort of. The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour ended in 2023, and he has stuck to his word about not doing those massive, multi-year treks anymore. He wants to be with David and the boys, Zachary and Elijah. Speaking of the kids, they’re getting huge—both were just seen ringing in 2026 with Elton and David at a New Year's Eve bash hosted by Donatella Versace.
But "retired" is a loose term for Sir Elton. In Elton John recent news, the biggest shocker was the announcement that he’s headlining Rock in Rio 2026 in September.
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It’s a massive gig on the World Stage in Brazil. He’s also been doing a handful of private shows—11 in the last year alone—mostly to keep his voice in shape and practice playing when he can't see the keys perfectly. There were some rumors floating around about a full "One Last Song" comeback tour in 2026, but his camp has basically shot those down. Don't believe everything you see on Facebook; unless it's on his official site, it’s probably just fan fiction.
The Secret Albums and the Brandi Carlile Connection
If you think he’s stopped making music because of his eyes, you’re wrong. He’s actually been incredibly busy in the studio. In a holiday message to his fans at the end of 2025, he teased that he has two new projects in the works.
- Who Believes In Angels?: This is the big one. It’s a collaborative album with Brandi Carlile that was recorded in just 20 days. It’s got a bit of everything—Americana, rock, even some synth-heavy stuff.
- The Solo Project: He’s heading back into the studio in April 2026 to record even more solo material. Bernie Taupin, his lifelong partner in crime, apparently sent him a batch of new lyrics that Elton is itching to get to.
He’s calling this "Career Mark 2." He’s even ventured into the "No-Lo" world, launching a non-alcoholic sparkling wine called Elton John Zero. It’s a Blanc de Blancs made with Italian grapes, because even if he’s sober, he still wants the celebration to feel fancy.
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Why "Never Too Late" Matters Right Now
If you haven't seen the documentary Never Too Late on Disney+, it’s the best way to understand his current headspace. It follows him as he preps for his final U.S. show at Dodger Stadium, but it’s really about him coming to terms with his past.
The title track, which he did with Brandi Carlile, even got a Grammy nod for 2026. It’s been a staple of recent entertainment news because it shows a side of him that isn't just the "legend"—it's a guy who is genuinely happy to just be a dad, even if he's still a bit of a workaholic.
What to Keep an Eye On
If you're following Elton's journey this year, here are the tangible things to look out for:
- The Studio Sessions: Watch for updates in April 2026 when he starts the new recordings.
- Rock in Rio Tickets: If you’re in South America, these go on sale soon. It’s likely his only major public show for a while.
- The "Zero" Rollout: His non-alcoholic wine is hitting more stores, starting with Sainsbury's in the UK and moving international.
- Health Updates: Any news on "science helping" his vision will be the biggest story of the year for his fans.
The reality is that Elton John isn't fading away. He’s just changing the way he shows up. He might not be able to see the sheet music, but he can still play "Your Song" in his sleep, and he’s clearly not ready to stop the music just yet.
To stay updated on his health progress and official release dates for the new solo record, your best bet is to follow the official Rocket Club newsletters rather than the rumor-heavy fan forums that often circulate "final tour" hoaxes. Keep an eye on the 2026 Grammy results in February to see if his latest collaboration brings home more hardware for the mantle.