Sir Elton John tells fans ‘I’ve lost my eyesight and cannot see the stage’ as he is led out of West End show by husband
The legendary singer told The Devil Wears Prada musical performers he couldn't see them - but they 'sounded great'
SIR Elton John shocked fans last night when he revealed he’s lost his eyesight and was unable to see the stage at the premiere of his new musical.
The singer appeared on stage at The Devil Wears Prada musical premiere but left early, and was led out of the theatre by husband David Furnish.
Elton recently revealed that he is blind in his right eye after an infection caused him to lose his vision.
However, the 77-year-old admitted last night his eyesight has worsened, leaving him unable to see the performance of the show – for which he wrote the music.
Elton opened up about his condition during a speech he made on stage at the star-studded charity gala for the Elton John AIDS Foundation at the Dominion Theatre in London’s West End.
The music legend told celebrities who packed the audience: “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.”
He continued with a tribute to his supportive hubby David, 62, saying: “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. Thank you for coming!”
Elton contracted an infection over the summer and now confesses that he’s struggling to be productive.
In an interview 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.”
The superstar 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 to promote his latest documentary, Elton John: Its Never Too Late, the superstar singer – who shares sons Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11, with David – said losing his vision has derailed him.
“It kind of floored me, and I can’t see anything. I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything,” he added.
“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.”
The Devil Wears Prada is based on the blockbuster film, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, and the best-selling novel by Lauren Weisberger.
It tells the story of aspiring journalist Andy – who bags a dream internship at a fashion magazine, only to be put at the mercy of terrifying editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly – said to have been based on iconic US Vogue head, Anna Wintour.
A whole host of celebrities – including Wintour herself – showed up to the charity gala in their finery to support Elton’s new endeavour.
Lily Collins, best known for her role in Emily in Paris, turned heads on the red carpet while wearing a chic gold sequined dress.
Vanessa Williams, who is playing the formidable Miranda in the new musical, showed up in a suitably stylish silky red blouse paired with a black leather skirt and red heels.
Also spotted at the glitzy event were Scottish singer Lulu, who embraced the fashion theme in a tailored black one piece, and BAFTA award winning broadcaster Graham Norton who arrived in a bespoke suit.
