Elton John Talks Fame, Family and Coming Out: “I Was Being Honest”

Elton John Talks Fame, Family and Coming Out: “I Was Being Honest”

As a gamer with a deep appreciation for music and its ability to tell stories that resonate beyond the notes, I can’t help but be moved by the journey of Sir Elton John, a musical legend whose life has been as captivating as his melodies. Having witnessed the ups and downs of fame through countless virtual lives in games, I find it inspiring how Elton John turned his struggles into lessons for others.


On Saturday evening, following the world premiere of Elton John: Never Too Late at the Toronto Film Festival, Elton John shared his thoughts on fame and family.

John mentioned during a question-and-answer session after the movie, directed by R.J. Cutler and his spouse David Furnish, that fame can be hazardous if it’s not accompanied by something else, and that ‘something else’ is integrity. He added that without integrity to complement fame, one might face serious problems, much like he experienced prior to 1990 when he became sober. It’s now been 34 years.

John finds immense value in his family, which consists of the two boys he and Furnish brought up together, more than fame itself. “My life has been transformed,” he declared emphatically. “What I know about the movie business is that I have him [Furnish], I have my two sons, and I am extremely proud of what I’ve accomplished.

John announced that he intends to carry on producing music, even though he’s wrapping up his touring career in 2022. However, his family takes priority during his retirement years. He went on to express that this new phase of his life brings him the most joy, surpassing the thrill of having his first No. 1 album on Billboard. “It was fantastic for a brief moment,” he said, “but this is something I’ll cherish for a lifetime.

John expressed that his affection for his family, kids, and friends has never been stronger. At 77 years old, he’s reveling in the best period of his life, sharing further that he desires this sentiment to be etched on his tombstone: ‘He was a wonderful father and loving husband.’

Elton John: Never Too Late employs archival footage and interviews to portray Elton John during the peak of his career from 1970 to 1975, showcasing a performer who was extraordinarily talented on stage, but offstage felt both unfulfilled and unloved.

As a devoted admirer, I’m sharing my excitement about a compelling documentary that traces John’s journey through his remarkable 50-year career. It accomplishes this by skillfully shuttling between the build-up to the musician’s legendary 1975 concert at Dodgers Stadium in LA, during the height of his fame, and the preparations for his farewell concert in North America at the same iconic venue in 2022.

John kept his sexuality a secret until 1976 when he openly discussed it during an interview with Rolling Stone. His life had taken a dramatic turn after battling addiction issues. “I wasn’t concealing myself, but I was deeply saddened, wondering if I would ever find someone, given my fame and sexual orientation,” John reflected.

Ever since his debut, John embarked on a fresh path of sincerity in his existence, admitting that it took him an extended period to speak the truth, which brought him immense sorrow and foolishness, costing him numerous years. However, when he ceased deceiving himself, his life underwent a dramatic transformation. This was his account.

John remarked, “I believe kindness will prevail, and that’s my hope for the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November.” (This version aims to simplify the language while maintaining the original meaning.)

Co-director Cutler slipped up by complimenting John and Furnish as he unveiled their upcoming role in the new Spinal Tap sequel, directed by Rob Reiner and scheduled for release in 2025. “Oh, did I not mention it?” Cutler queried, reacting to a quiet “shhh” from behind him.

John playfully said, ‘the lovable goofball,’ causing laughter from the crowd at Roy Thomson Hall,” or simply, “John teased Cutler as ‘the dear goofball,’ eliciting laughter from the audience at Roy Thomson Hall.

Prior to its premiere on Disney+, the film titled “Elton John: Never Too Late” is set to have a restricted theatrical release on November 15 in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

The Disney Branded Television-originated documentary is manufactured by Rocket Entertainment and This Machine Filmworks (a Sony Pictures Television subsidiary), with R.J. Cutler and David Furnish at the helm as directors. Alongside them, Trevor Smith also assumes a producer role. Elise Pearlstein, Mark Blatty, Luke Lloyd Davies, Rachael Paley, Jane Cha Cutler, and John Battsek take on executive producer responsibilities.

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2024-09-07 08:54