Despite Retiring From Touring, Elton John Isn’t Slowing Down: Recording New Music, Opening Two Stage Musicals and Performing at His Annual Oscar Party
variety.comMarc Malkin Senior Editor, Culture and Events Elton John’s touring life may have come to an end last year with his five-year, 330-concert worldwide Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, but the work continues, including recording new music. “He’s been working away,” says his husband and manager David Furnish. “I don’t think you’re going to have to wait too long [for new music].
I can’t say when but he’s making real progress. It was important for him when he came off the road to have a little bit of a breather and a break.
But he’s always said he’s retiring from touring, but he’s not retiring from working.” John, who turns 77 on March 25, is physically moving around better than he has in recent years after he suffered mobility issues due to arthritis.
He had one knee replaced earlier this year and will have the second done in the spring after he and Furnish co-host the 32nd annual Academy Awards Viewing Party benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation in West Hollywood Park. “He’s walking brilliantly,” Furnish said. “Both his knees were bent so badly, but his left knee is now perfectly straight.
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