Gently guided off stage after a performance with his close friend Dua Lipa, Sir Elton John leaves his audience in no doubt about the challenges he faces after losing his sight.
A production assistant extends a supportive hand to the 77-year-old singer as he heads backstage at the Royal Albert Hall on October 17.
During her heartfelt duet with Dua for her concert special An Evening with Dua Lipa, which airs on ITV this Sunday, December 8, she introduced him with the words: “Leave him for a man who needs no introduction, Elton John.”
For most of the performance, Sir Elton remained seated, a visible reminder of the fragility that comes with loss of sight.
When the final chorus of his hit Cold Heart hit, Sir Elton stood briefly, swaying gently to the music, although he refrained from moving his feet.
When the song ended, The Goodbye Yellow Brick Road hitmaker extended his hand to the Houdini singer, 29, and held it in the air until she realized he wanted her to take it.
Gently guided off stage after a performance with his close friend Dua Lipa, Sir Elton John leaves his audience in no doubt about the challenges he faces after losing his sight.
A production assistant extends a supportive hand to the 77-year-old singer as he heads backstage at the Royal Albert Hall on October 17.
Their emotional performance was capped by a kiss on the cheek from Dua before Sir Elton was carefully escorted off stage.
Concertgoers described the atmosphere as electric, with one telling the Mail: “The chemistry between Elton and Dua was really sweet and joyful to watch, they clearly love each other very much and seeing it live was special.”
“He obviously didn’t have as active a stage presence as in previous years, he needed to sit down and be escorted to the stage, but he sang as well as ever and filled the room with emotion.
“It was bittersweet to see him struggle a bit and I didn’t know the extent of his vision loss, but it’s amazing that he can still create such a fantastic atmosphere in a venue of that caliber.”
Another Royal Albert Hall attendee shared: “It was amazing to see Elton John live, we were ecstatic to see him and really surprised he had come.”
“It was emotional to see him, to know that his health and balance were deteriorating – he was held by the hand and sat on a stool for most of Cold Heart.
“You could definitely tell that the performance meant a lot to him, he was standing and dancing hand in hand with Dua at the end of the song, along with the entire audience. His voice remained strong and convincing, I don’t think he was lacking in the slightest. minimal his charm and charisma.
During her heartfelt duet with Dua for her concert special An Evening with Dua Lipa, which airs on ITV this Sunday, December 8, she introduced him with the words: “Leave him for a man who needs no introduction, Elton John.”
For most of the performance, Sir Elton remained seated, a visible reminder of the fragility that comes with loss of sight.
Elsewhere in the concert, Dua Lipa performed 19 of her songs, reimagined with a 53-piece orchestra and 14-person choir, with her seven-piece band.
The show also featured the live debut of Dance The Night, from the soundtrack of Greta Gerwig’s film Barbie.
Concertgoers described the atmosphere as electric, with one telling the Mail: “It was bittersweet to see him struggle a bit, and I didn’t know the extent of his vision loss, but it’s amazing that he can still create such a fantastic atmosphere in such an environment. so fantastic.” place of that caliber’
The pop star, 29, released Live At the Royal Albert Hall this week. It marks the singer’s first live album and features grand symphonic reimaginings of the biggest hits from her discography such as Levitating and Don’t Start Now, as well as the Radical Optimism album in its entirety.
“The crowd was completely hooked – we were dancing and singing along to Dua and the orchestra from the start, however Elton John’s surprise appearance transformed the night into a highlight.”
This latest performance follows Sir Elton’s candid public admission that he lost his sight due to a serious infection earlier this year.
At the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical in London, she shared her struggle with the disease and thanked her husband, David Furnish, for his unwavering support.
“I’ve lost my sight,” Sir Elton revealed, explaining that he now relies more on sound than sight to experience performances.
As the curtain opened for the musical, Sir Elton was helped onto the stage by David, 62.
She said: ‘And (thank you) to my husband, who has been my support because I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I have lost my sight.
“It’s hard for me to watch, but I love hearing it.”
Elsewhere in the concert, Dua Lipa performed 19 of her songs, reimagined with a 53-piece orchestra and 14-person choir, with her seven-piece band.
The show also featured the live debut of Dance The Night, from the soundtrack of Greta Gerwig’s film Barbie.