Elton John movie Rocketman tells his life story – but how accurate is it and will he be touring in 2019?
THE Elton John biopic Rocketman provides fans with exclusive insight into the real Elton John.
Co-produced by the singer's husband David Furnish, the film doesn't shy away from the star's early tumultuous rock and roll lifestyle.
When did Elton John movie Rocketman come out?
Rocketman was released in UK cinemas on May 22, 2019.
The fantasy musical, directed by Dexter Fletcher, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16.
Taron Egerton has taken on the daunting task of playing the music legend, with Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, and Bryce Dallas Howard all acting in key roles.
The film begins with Elton's early days as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music and follows him throughout his rock and roll lifestyle up to his eventual musical partnership with Bernie Taupin.
How accurate is the film?
Unlike Bohemian Rhapsody, which came under fire for soft-pedalling the fact that Freddie Mercury was gay, the film will explicitly show the star's struggles with depression, substance abuse and acceptance of his sexual orientation.
While Bohemian Rhapsody, which fell into the more family friendly PG-13, US censors have tipped it an 'R' rating, (for language throughout, some drug use and sexual content).
Elton John himself reportedly told filmmakers that they could make the film ‘as G-rated as you need to’ in order to truly represent the musician’s hedonistic lifestyle, and it was expected that the film was to be rated ’18’.
However, studio bosses allegedly requested a scene, which shows Taron Egerton lying naked in bed with his manager John Reid, played by Richard Madden as Elton’s manager, to be 40-seconds long.
Taron Egerton has urged fans not to consider the movie "biopic", instead referring to it as a "fantasy musical" which uses Elton John's songs to "express important beats in his life at emotional moments."
Even John has termed his resemblance to Taron "uncanny."
The film was co-produced by Elton's husband David Furnish.
Speaking about some of the grittier scenes in the film, Furnish said: "Elton John is somebody that I think I know incredibly well, but then also it’s like watching a film about somebody you don’t know at all.
"The Elton in all that madness is not the Elton I know. At times, he’s a bit of a monster and also, deeply unhappy. That’s hard. Many times as I watched the film, I wanted to go and give him a hug, like I could help him. I thought, ‘God, you’ve been through a lot.’"
For die-hard fans, it will be a question of hoping the directorial decisions aren't sacrificed to cash in from younger audiences.
Who is Elton John's husband?
David Furnish is Elton's husband of 26 years - the pair met after Furnish was a guest at one of Elton's lavish dinner parties in Windsor.
He is a film maker and producer who famously directed Elton's documentary Tantrum & Tiaras in 1997.
"I was attracted to David immediately," Elton reflected. "He was very well dressed, very shy. The next night we had dinner."
The couple have two children born to a surrogate; Zachary Jackson Levon, born December 25, 2010, and Elijah Joseph Daniel, born January 11, 2013.
The producer, originally from Toronto, recently praised Taron in Variety Magazine for his outstanding musical performance as John.
"I think the most exciting thing about Taron as a singer throughout the whole process is how he grew."
“When he started he was very theatrical.
He would sing words like he was on a [Broadway] stage. Rock stars don’t sing like that. “Elton said to Taron, ‘Look, you need to relax more. Don’t try and copy me. Feel the spirit of the song.’”
More on Elton John
Is Elton John retiring and when is his world tour?
On January 24, 2018 after much anticipation, Sir Elton officially announced his retirement from touring.
But before calling it quits the singer will embark on a global 300-show extravaganza which will take in "every continent you can possibly think of".
The tour, 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' starts in late 2019, and includes performances at the London O2, the Manchester Arena and Resorts World Arena in Birmingham.
Speaking on a live stream to discuss the news, Sir Elton said: "The priorities in my life have changed. My priorities now are my children, my husband, and my family."
In regards to his health after a bout of sickness in April 2017, the 71-year-old added: "If you're going to do 300 shows, you're not in ill health. I'm in great health."