Elton John humorously mentioned that there’s ‘not much’ of him remaining, as he recounted the various organs he has lost over the years.
The legendary musician shared insights into his health challenges during a speech at the premiere of a documentary centered on his life.
The documentary, titled Elton John: Never Too Late, revisits the 77-year-old artist’s five-decade-long career as he prepares for his final performance at Dodger Stadium.
While introducing the film, John reflected on his health journey, playfully telling the audience: “To be honest with you, there’s not much of me left.”
Referring to the ‘Ship of Theseus’ concept, where a ship is no longer considered the same when all its parts are replaced, he remarked: “I don’t have tonsils, adenoids or an appendix.
“I don’t have a prostate. I don’t have a right hip or a left knee or a right knee. In fact, the only thing left to me is my left hip.”
He added: “But I’m still here. And I can’t thank you [enough], you’re the people that made me.”
Throughout the years, John has faced numerous health issues, including surgeries for knee and hip replacements.
Recently, he disclosed that he was recuperating from a ‘severe eye infection’ that had significantly impacted his vision.
In the 1990s, he underwent a procedure to have a pacemaker installed due to an irregular heartbeat.
In 2009, he was hospitalized with a bacterial infection and influenza, followed by the discovery of an appendix abscess in 2013 and a bout of ‘gastric flu’ in 2016.
Touring extensively also took a toll on John’s health.
A major issue has been the effect on his hearing due to prolonged exposure to loud music.
John recently declared his retirement from touring, stating: “As you know, I decided to stop touring because I’m 77 years of age.
“I’ve done all there is to do, to play. I’ve succeeded. I’ve been there and I’ve done it.”
The documentary Elton John: Never Too Late made its international debut at the Toronto Film Festival.
It is scheduled to be available for streaming in the US on Disney+ starting December 13.
The film is described as: “With exclusive access to Elton onstage, behind the scenes and in the recording studio, this documentary tells Elton John’s story as it’s never been told before.”