Elton John has confirmed he is gearing up to return to the recording studio after receiving seven new sets of lyrics from his long-standing songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin. In an interview with Variety published on Tuesday, the music icon stressed that, although he retired from touring in 2023, he remains creatively active. Elton revealed that Taupin recently sent him new material, which he plans to develop alongside producer Andrew Watt.
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“I’ve got seven new lyrics from Bernie, and David read them to me the other night – they’re really, really good,” he told the publication. “I can’t wait to go into the studio with Andrew and see what happens. Music has been my whole life, and it still takes me on journeys I never imagined. I just enjoy doing the occasional project. It keeps me musical, and it pays the rent.”
Last year, the singer disclosed that he had suffered significant sight loss following a serious eye infection. While describing the ordeal as “devastating”, his husband, David Furnish, explained that treatment has begun to improve Elton’s vision in his left eye. Adjustments such as using a green-font teleprompter have enabled him to continue reading lyrics while playing the piano.
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Despite his health challenges, Elton insisted he has no plans to step back from performing or creating. “By the end of the year, I’ll have done 11 private shows, which I’ve never done before – some solo, some with the band,” the 78-year-old said. “I was terrified I wouldn’t be able to see the piano keys or the microphone, but I can, because everything’s so close. And it’s been great fun.” The star has not yet indicated when recording sessions for the new songs will begin.
