Elton John Quietly Finishes New Album, Release Uncertain as Icon Battles Infection

Few singers match the success that followed Elton John over the decades. Embracing the title of icon, John released over 30 albums throughout his career. His last, Regimental Sgt. Zippo, released back in 2021. And although 77 years old, the singer continues to spend time in the studio, working on new music. Recent reports even suggested that John finished work on yet another album. Hoping to share his work with fans around the holidays, it appears that might not happen as John continues to suffer from an eye infection.

With John preparing for the release of his new documentary Elton John: Never Too Late around the end of the year, the hitmaker thought it would be the best time to release new music. But that might not happen. According to a source who spoke with The Sun, “Elton has quietly been working on the album all year. The initial plan was for a Christmas release and to end the year on a high with the new album and his new documentary.”

Given the recent changes in John’s health, the source added, “But his health has meant things are up in the air. A few people are surprised that Elton has managed to complete it by the end of the summer, but now it has officially been handed in.”

[RELATED: Elton John Recalls a Crazy Outing With John Lennon—Featuring a Surprise Andy Warhol Appearance]

Elton John Still Has Work To Do

Although John decided to retire from touring back in 2023, the singer continues to expand his stardom. And he even hoped to collaborate with some of the rising stars in music. Speaking with Variety, he revealed, “There are plenty of young singers around. I mean, this has been the summer of the great female singers and songwriters. Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX and Gracie Abrams — they’ve just ruled it. They’ve made records that are really good songs, and they brought a lot of joy to the people. And the songs are really good songs, so I’m happy to sing with any of those people.”

John didn’t stop there as he also took a moment to praise Taylor Swift, who he declared to be one of the biggest stars since the Beatles took over the music industry.

(Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)