Sir Elton John told fans he has “lost his eyesight” in a devastating admission.
The music legend, 77, was at The Devil Wears Prada musical premiere on London’s West End this evening (December 1) when he made the shock announcement before being led off stage. His husband, David Frunish, was by his side to take the singer home early.
Speaking at the venue, the rocker told supporters: “I’ve lost my eyesight and cannot see the stage.”
READ MORE: Ant and Dec’s off-screen antics exposed as BGT icon makes surprise confession
Click for more brilliant Daily Star showbiz stories
The Rocket Man performer added: “As some of you may know I have had issues and now I have lost my sight. I haven’t been able to see the performance but I have enjoyed it. To my husband who’s been my rock because I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews… it’s hard for me to see it but I love to hear it and it sounded good tonight OK. Thank you for coming!”
(Image: Leon Neal/Getty Images)
His comments came after he recently revealed he was blind in his right eye. He said this was caused by an infection he picked up in the summer.
Speaking with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America, he said: “I unfortunately lost my eye sight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the South of France.”
He added: “It’s been four months now since I haven’t been able to see. My left eye is not the greatest. It’s been a while since I’ve done anything. I just have to get off my backside.”
Speaking on the US Breakfast show, the dad-of-two said the setback had derailed him but was hopeful that things would get better.
He said: “It kind of floored me, and I can’t see anything. I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything. There’s hope and encouragement that it will be okay. But I’m kind of stuck in the moment, going into the studio and recording, I don’t know. Because I can’t see a lyric for start.”
And taking to Instagram in September, he told fans: “Over the summer, I’ve been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye. I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye.
“I am so grateful for the excellent team of doctors and nurses and my family, who have taken such good care of me over the last several weeks. I have been quietly spending the summer recuperating at home, and am feeling positive about the progress I have made in my healing and recovery thus far. With love and gratitude.”