He shared how it was impacting his music career and although he was unable to see a lyric, he was hopefule things could improve.

He has now spoken to Variety in a new interview, and has given another update on his wellbeing, adding that the ongoing issues with his sight have felt “devastating”.

Elton John explained, “Because I lost my right eye and my left eye’s not so good, the last 15 months have been challenging for me because I haven’t been able to see anything, watch anything, read anything.”

He added that he still has hope, “I’ve had the most incredible life, and there is hope. I’ve just gotta be patient that someday science will help me with this one. Once they help me with this one, I’ll be fine.”

The latest interview comes after he opened up last year about other health issues he has been facing, and told fans in October last year that “there’s not much of me left” following multiple surgeries.

At the premiere of his documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, he said, “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. But I’m still here.”

Given his health struggles, Elton John had confirmed that would not be touring again after his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour ended in July 2023, but he then later said he would perform “the odd show”, giving fans the chance to see the music icon perform once more. These have included the 50th annual Candelight Concert in the US last December and the opening of the Stonewall National Momument Visitor Center last summer.

Earlier this week, he was confirmed as the first headliner for Rock In Rio 2026.

When speaking about this confirmation, he said, “I’ve always had a fantastic time whenever we’ve played in Brazil. I didn’t manage to get to South America for the farewell tour, so when Rock In Rio asked me to play, I said ‘yes’ immediately.”

“I love my Brazilian fans, they hold such a special place in my heart. The energy these big one-off shows have been giving me since I stopped touring is unbeatable. As a band, we’re playing brilliantly and we’re sounding as good as we ever have, and, importantly, we’re still really loving playing together. I really cannot wait to return to Brazil next summer.”

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Previously, Elton John had confirmed that would not be touring again after his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour ended in July 2023, but he then later said he would perform “the odd show”, giving fans the chance to see the music icon perform once more. These have included the 50th annual Candelight Concert in the US last December and the opening of the Stonewall National Momument Visitor Center last summer.

In response to the news of Elton John performing at Rock In Rio, the creator and president of the festival Roberto Medina said, “Rock in Rio was born to create unforgettable memories. We’re not just bringing Elton John back — we’re bringing a living legend. Having him on our World Stage is an honour. His journey, legacy, and the power of his music embody everything Rock in Rio stands for: emotion, connection, and the transformative force of art. 2026 will be an emblematic year — and we’re thrilled to welcome one of the greatest artists of all time.”

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The pop icon kicked off his Farewell tour back in 2018, and it became one of the most popular events in music history. Spanning over several continents worldwide, the tour showcased Elton Johns’ timeless hits and emotional storytelling. The tour celebrated his five-decade legacy and was a vibrant tribute to this music, impact, and fans who embraced his music over time.

As of January 2023, it became the highest-grossing tour of all time, being the first tour to surpass the $800 million (£649.1 million) mark. It was estimated that by the 330th and final show, the tour hit the $1 billion (£800 million) mark.

Ticket sales for the Rock In Rio Card, which guarantees access to the festival before the full lineup is announced, will open December 9 through Ticketmaster Brazil. Tickets for the event can be found here.

Originally featured in the 1984 cult mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, ‘Stonehenge’ has been reimagined with Elton John taking the lead vocal. The new version, which blends theatrical flair with classic rock excess, features in a key performance scene in the upcoming film, where Elton appears live on stage – emerging from beneath a giant stone prop dressed in a hooded cloak to take over from the band.

‘The End Continues’ serves as the official soundtrack to the long-awaited sequel, which reunites original cast members Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer. The film follows the band as they prepare for one final performance and revisits their tumultuous history.

In addition to Elton John, the album will include guest vocals from Paul McCartney, who appears on a new rendition of the 1960s-style track ‘Cups and Cakes’, the original B-side to ‘Gimme Some Money’. McCartney and John will both appear in the film as themselves, performing alongside the band and improvising scenes with the original cast.

Other confirmed cameos include Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, Roots bandleader Questlove, and British comedians Nina Conti, Kerry Godliman, and Chris Addison.

Though Spinal Tap II is the first film instalment since 1984, the fictional band has remained active. In 1992, they released the studio album ‘Break Like the Wind’, and in 2009 issued a compilation of re-recordings titled ‘Back from the Dead’.

‘The End Continues’ is available for pre-order now via the band’s official website and can be accessed here.

His death came just three weeks after the epic farewell concert ‘Back to the Beginning’ on July 5, 2025, held at Villa Park in Birmingham – his hometown.

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Osbourne’s final performance saw him seated on a throne due to Parkinson’s, which he’d battled since publicly announcing his diagnosis in early 2020.

The original Black Sabbath lineup: Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, shared the stage together for the first time in 20 years and were joined by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and Yungblud in the event that raised £140 million for charity, according to The Independent. 

Check out MXDWN’s coverage of Black Sabbath’s last show here.

 

 

 

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Just a day before his death, Ozzy made a quiet, poignant Instagram post featuring a backstage sign reading “Back to the Beginning – The Final Show”, with “Mr. Crowley” playing in the background.

In a statement to Page Six, his family, including wife Sharon and children Kelly, Jack, Aimee, and Louis, said: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey…he was with his family and surrounded by love”

Music legends like Elton John, Flavor Flav, Ronnie Wood all offered moving tributes. Questlove took to instagram to offer his condolences, saying, “Long live the Oz. Rest In Melody.”

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Plans are underway for a concert documentary, Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow, which is due in early 2026, in cinemas and on Blu‑ray/DVD.

A touring concert film of the same name is expected, keeping his legacy alive on screen.

Short clips of Black Sabbath’s farewell show have flooded YouTube, filled with thousands of comments from fans offering their own personal tributes to the late frontman.

Ozzy Osbourne’s life was a thunderous anthem of rebellion, resilience, and raw musical genius that forever changed the face of rock and heavy metal. From Black Sabbath to his solo triumphs, he inspired generations with his unfiltered spirit and unforgettable voice.

Following the news, British pop icon Elton John took to Instagram to post a throwback picture of him and Brian in a recording studio. The caption read: “Brian Wilson was always so kind to me from the day I met him. He sang ‘Someone Saved My Life Tonight’ at a tribute concert in 2003, and it was an extraordinary moment for me. I played on his solo records, he sang on my album, The Union, and even performed for my AIDS Foundation. I grew to love him as a person, and for me, he was the biggest influence on my songwriting ever; he was a musical genius and revolutionary. He changed the goalposts when it came to writing songs and shaped music forever. A true giant.”

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Among the many names that spoke about Wilson and his genius, kindness and love, folk singer Bob Dylan also shared a statement that read: “Heard the sad news about Brian today and thought about all the years I’ve been listening to him and admiring his genius. Rest in peace dear Brian.”

Brian’s band also shared a statement, talking about the musician as well as his time and input within the iconic band The Beach Boys: “The world mourns a genius today, and we grieve for the loss of our cousin, our friend, and our partner in a great musical adventure. Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys – he was the soul of our sound. Together, we gave the world the American dream of optimism, joy, and a sense of freedom – music that made people feel good, made them believe in summer and endless possibilities. We will continue to cherish the timeless music we made together and the joy he brought to millions over the decades,” they wrote. “And while we will miss him deeply, his legacy will live on through his songs and in our memories.”

Whilst speaking on BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg’s show on Sunday, the ‘Yellow Brick Road’ singer opened up about how the ministers’ plans to allow AI firms to use artists’ content without paying them would be “committing theft, thievery on a high scale”.

The UK government’s proposals to allow tech firms to use copyrighted material as training data has been a subject under fire from numerous big names of the music industry such as Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox, Dua Lipa, Thom Yorke and Kate Bush.

More than 1000 musicians featured on the silent album ‘Is This What We Want?’ released in February, in protest at the UK government’s planned changes to copyright law. All profits were donated to the music charity Help Musicians. The album, also supported by Billy Ocean, Ed O’Brien of Radiohead and Bastille’s Dan Smith, as well as The Clash, Mystery Jets and Jamiroquai, features sound recordings of empty studios and performance spaces, demonstrating what the artists fear is the potential impact of the proposed law change.

The track-listing for the record simply spells out the message: “The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies.”

Imogen Heap, Yusuf/Cat Stevens and Riz Ahmed have also backed the silent album release as well as Tori Amos and Hans Zimmer. Composer Max Richter, noted how the plans not only have an impact on musicians but “impoverish creators” across the board, from writers to visual artists and beyond.

In 2023, UK music contributed a record £7.6 billion to the economy, external.

In a letter to The Times, signatories including Sir Paul, Lord Lloyd Webber and Sir Stephen Fry said that changes to the law will allow big tech to raid the creative sectors. They were joined by the likes of Bush, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and Sting in opposing plans to change copyright laws.

Criticising Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s team, Elton said they would “rob young people of their legacy and their income”, adding that he thought they were “just being absolute losers, and I’m very angry about it”.

The two pop icons have been in conflict since the early noughties when Elton criticized Madonna’s “Die Another Day”, the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name.

Madonna confirmed their reconciliation in a heartfelt Instagram post, where she spoke of the influence of his music in her younger years:

“Seeing him perform when I was in high school changed the course of my life. I had always felt like an outsider growing up and watching him on stage helped me to understand that it was OK to be different-to stand out – to take the road, less traveled by. In fact, it was essential.”

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She also delved deeper into the disappointment the beef brought her: “Over the decades it hurt me to know that someone I admired so much shared his dislike of me publicly as an artist. I didn’t understand it.” Madonna then gave details of their backstage encounter, saying that she was told Elton would be the nights musical guest and was compelled to see him: “I needed to go backstage and confront him. When I met him, the first thing out of his mouth was, “Forgive Me” and the wall between us fell down. Forgiveness is a powerful tool. Within minutes. We were hugging. Then he told me had written a song for me and he wanted to collaborate. It was like everything came full circle!!”” Elton then left some kind words in the comment section, paying his respects to Madonna’s music and impact: “Thank you for coming to see me at SNL. And thank you for forgiving me and my big mouth. I’m not proud of what I said. Particularly when I think about all the groundbreaking work you have done as an artist – paving the way for an entire generation of female artists to succeed and be true to themselves. You were also one of the very first people to rise up against HIV/AIDS in the 80’s, bringing love and compassion to so many who desperately needed it.” Brandi Carlile, who Elton was performing with at SNL, jested at the peace-making popstars: “Whatever happens to this country the gays won today folks” Fans were pleased to see the two pop titans bury the hatchet. Some fans on the Live From New York subreddit shared their delight at seeing John and Madonna together:

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The Elton John/Madonna beef has been going since 2004, when John said her theme tune for Die Another Day was the “worst Bond tune ever”.

After this, the ‘Rocket Man’ songwriter took aim at Madonna during the Q Awards, where she was nominated for Best Live Act. Insinuating that she performs with backing tracks, he asked the crowd “Since when has lip-synching been live?”, before asserting that “Anyone who lip syncs in public on stage when you pay £75 to see them should be shot.”

Years later, John criticized her again after she secured the Super Bowl halftime show in 2012. While interviewed on “Good Morning America”, he warned her to “make sure you lip-sync good.”

Later, he would talk to Australia’s Channel 7 about her controversial ‘MDNA’ tour, which came under fire for its graphic imagery, religious and political symbolism, late start times and lip-synching allegations: “Her tour is a disaster and it couldn’t happen to a bigger c—. If Madonna had any common sense, she would have made a record like ‘Ray of Light,’ stayed away from the dance stuff and just been a great pop singer and made great pop records, which she does brilliantly. But no… And she looks like a fucking fairground stripper.

Elton John and Brandi Carlile performed their song ‘Who Believes In Angels?’, a downtempo, rocky ballad from their new collaborative album of the same name. The album was released last Saturday (April 4). So far, it’s received positive reviews, with The Guardian calling it “a true meeting of the minds.” You can read some background information we gave around the making of the album here.

The collaboration, which ultimately became a celebration of resilience and positivity, almost didn’t happen. On the day Israel invaded Gaza, John was deeply affected by the news and questioned whether it was right to continue recording. “Brandi was staying at her house next door, and I had all the newspapers on the table. I said, ‘Why are we doing an album when all this is going on? It seems inhumane to be recording,’” he recalled.

However, Carlile quickly countered his doubts with a heartfelt response. “We’re going to see the positive,” she told him. “We musicians need to bring the world together. That’s our purpose.” Her words resonated with John, sparking a shift in perspective. She went on to write ‘A Little Light’, a song inspired by her belief in music’s ability to uplift and connect people.

John credited that moment as a turning point for the entire album. “That really turned the album around,” he said. From that point on, the project gained momentum, with a renewed sense of purpose driving the music.

When first envisioning the album, John was adamant that he and Carlile avoid the predictable route of dramatic power ballads. “I didn’t want it to be one line her, one line me,” he explained. “I wanted it to be harmonies. I wanted it to be a proper duet record.”

Carlile echoed that sentiment, sharing how John’s determination to defy expectations inspired their creative process. “We kept the ballads to a minimum because he was like, ‘Everybody will expect us to get together and do power ballads. Let’s do uptempo, positive, uplifting songs,’” she said. “And I was like, ‘Well, that’s kind of an amazing assignment.’”

With longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin contributing lyrics and Andrew Watt handling production, the team hit their stride quickly. John described the energy in the studio as electric. “I didn’t want to go back and make an album I’ve done before. I wanted to push Brandi, and she pushed me, and Andrew pushed both of us to an intense degree. Bernie as well,” he said. “And in the end, we were just roaring. We were recording a track a day, and instant first takes.”

The result is an album that captures both artists’ passion and belief in the power of music. Though the world remains uncertain, ‘Who Believes in Angels?’ stands as a testament to resilience and hope — a reminder that even in the darkest moments, creativity can serve as a unifying force.

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The initiative comes amid growing concerns over cuts to arts funding and the diminishing role of music in the national curriculum. Reports have shown that music education in state schools has suffered significantly over the past decade, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. The open letter argues that without proper funding, music will become an exclusive privilege for wealthier students, further deepening inequalities in the industry.

Sheeran, who himself benefited from state-funded programmes in his youth, stressed the importance of ensuring that young people, regardless of background, have the chance to pursue a career in music. In his Instagram post, the musician said: “As a young music student and aspiring artist, I benefited from opportunities in and out of school to learn & grow. Unfortunately, after decades of defunding and de-prioritising, music is no longer a right for all children – it’s a luxury for only a few.”

Other notable artists who have co-signed the letter include Paloma Faith, Annie Lennox, and Myles Smith, who also commented on Sheeran’s post stating: “Governments need to realise the importance of music not only as a cultural export and financial hub, but as the foundation and key feature of our society and community. Growing up in working-class Luton, access to music wasn’t just a way out – it was a way of living. It gave me purpose, belonging, and a voice. That’s why investing in music matters. It changes lives. It changed mine.” In January 2025, Sheeran has established the Ed Sheeran Foundation, aiming to empower children across the UK with meaningful music education. The foundation seeks to address the decline in music education within state schools by providing support and advocating for equal access to high-quality music programs. ​

 

 

 

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Additionally, The UK-based charity, Youth Music, invests in grassroots organisations and young creatives to ensure all young people have access to music. Over 25 years, Youth Music has invested over £263 million to secure music’s future and improve industry representation, making the next generation of creative talent more diverse and inclusive.​In November 2024, they partnered with Spotify to create a dedicated fund aimed at supporting 15 grassroots youth spaces across the UK that were facing imminent closure or struggling to survive.

The letter calls for a long-term funding commitment to improve music education infrastructure, hire specialist teachers, and provide instruments to students in need. Whilst the government has yet to issue a formal response, campaigners hope that growing public support will put pressure on policymakers to act swiftly. This bold move by Sheeran and his fellow artists signals a crucial moment for the future of music education in the UK.

For John, the key to musical growth lies in live performance. Drawing from his own journey, he emphasized how playing live gave him the resilience needed for long-term success.

“That experience stood me in great stead for when I became Elton John because I had backbone. And backbone is so important,” he said. “The worst thing that can happen to you in the industry are things like X Factor and instant fame on television where you have no experience of playing live. You get put on stage, you go, and you can’t do it. That’s the worst thing. American Idol — just the worst. Take risks. Go and play in a pub.”

Carlile, meanwhile, believes building a supportive network is essential, saying: “Honestly, make friends,” she advised, “Get a community around you.”

Elton also reflected on the transformative power of music in his life: “I can’t live without music. It nearly killed me, but it also kept me alive, and it keeps me alive today. But not the music of the past so much. Although I do listen to jazz and stuff like that, it’s the music of the future that keeps me alive,” he said.

When it comes to his relationship with Carlile, John’s admiration is evident: “I love her so much and not just as a person, but I love what’s inside of her musically and creatively,” he said. “It hasn’t really touched the surface. I think it’s beginning to, but it’s got so much further to go. She’s like an embryo at the moment, and she’s done a hell of a lot to be an embryo, but she’s going to just burst.”

For aspiring musicians, John reiterated the importance of perseverance: “Just keep trying to play live. That’s the way you improve as a musician and songwriter. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing to 40 people. The more experience you get playing to nobody, the better. Because when I played in Musicology, we played to hardly anybody sometimes,” he said.

John and Carlile’s new collaboration album will arrive later this month.