Elton John reveals battle with blindness during musical premiere

There were emotional scenes at the red carpet of The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical last night, after Sir Elton John revealed he can no longer see. The 77-year-old star’s husband David Furnish guided him around the premiere as he was supported by stars including Liz Hurley.

He recently admitted he has not been able to see out of his right eye for months, and his left eye ‘is not the greatest’, following a severe infection. However, Sir Elton didn’t appear to have a care in the world as he cheerfully posed for pictures for the musical launch in London on Sunday, despite previously struggling to walk the red carpet at another show following a knee replacement in January.

The iconic singer, who wrote the show’s music, continued to showcase his dramatic weight loss as he stepped out for the glitzy night out. After embracing a healthier lifestyle, Sir Elton looked uber trim in a tailored black suit which he teamed with a red floral shirt and gold chain.

He wore sparkly red trainers and statement red glasses as he chatted to a number of famous faces including pal and fashion designer Donatella Versace and Vanessa Williams , 61, who plays the role of fashion editor, Miranda Priestly. Also in attendance was American Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who fans have long assumed the character of Miranda Priestly was based on.

Sir Elton’s husband David Furnish, 62, was also by his side for support. The pair entered a civil partnership in 2005, then officially tied the knot nine years later when same-[gender] marriage became legal in the UK. They have two sons, Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11. The musical features an original score by Sir Elton, lyrics by Shaina Taub, and book by Kate Wetherhead.

It comes after Sir Elton gave an update on his health, after being left with limited vision in one eye following a severe eye infection . The music legend revealed he lost eyesight in his right eye in the summer in France and as a result can’t see, read or watch anything.

The musician, who was accompanied by his husband, made the surprise admission as he took to the stage, weeks after revealing an infection had left him partially sighted. He said: ‘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.’ Sir Elton was assisted by David offstage, with the icon crediting his husband for helping him since his eyesight faltered.

He added: ‘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! It’s been four months now since I haven’t been able to see. And my left eye is not the greatest. So there’s hope and encouragement that it will be okay, but I’m kind of stuck at the moment.’

Elton explained: ‘Because I can do something like this, but going into the studio and recording I don’t know, because I can’t see a lyric for a start. We’re taking an initiative to try and get it better, but at the moment that’s really what we’re concentrating on.’

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