Elton John has revealed that he once gave Brandi Carlile “lighting notes” during one of her shows, despite struggling with significant eyesight issues.
The music icon admitted that watching live performances has become “tough” after he lost much of his vision following a severe eye infection in 2024.
“It’s tough to go and see a show,” Elton, 78, told Variety in an interview published on Tuesday, “because I saw Chappell (Roan) out in the desert (at Coachella) and I saw Brandi at the Albert Hall, and they were both incredible shows.”
He added, “But I can’t really see what’s going on.”
Despite this, Elton’s husband David Furnish jokingly pointed out that his eyesight issues didn’t stop him offering singer-songwriter Brandi feedback after she performed at Albert Hall as part of her The Lost Time Tour in June.
“Yeah, but you were giving Brandi lighting notes,” the 63-year-old said, before the pair burst out laughing. “You were in the back of the box at the other end of the Albert Hall, and you were giving her lighting notes! Which I just love.”
“I was,” Elton replied. “At least I can do that.”
Elsewhere in the interview, the Rocket Man hitmaker clarified that he hasn’t given up performing, even with his vision challenges.
“I’m still singing. We did the Singapore Grand Prix the other day with the band, which was wonderful,” he stated. “I mean, you just have to grin and bear it. It does get me down sometimes. But on the whole, I’ve got a wonderful family; I have two great kids; I have (David).”
Elton and David, who tied the knot in 2014, share two sons, Zachary and Elijah.
