Honestly, it’s wild to think that Reginald Dwight—the kid from Pinner who used to play "The Skater's Waltz" by ear at age three—is still the most relevant man in the room. If you’re searching for how old Elton John is right now, the number is 78. He was born on March 25, 1947. But let's be real: that number doesn't actually tell the whole story of where he is today.
He's currently navigating 2026 with the energy of someone half his age, even if his body is starting to file some serious complaints. We just saw him ringing in the New Year at Donatella Versace’s party, looking dapper as ever with David Furnish and their sons, Zachary and Elijah. The kids are practically grown men now—Zachary is 15! Seeing them together really drives home how much time has passed since the "Rocket Man" first blasted off.
The Reality of Being 78 and "Retired"
You’ve probably heard he retired. Sorta.
The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour wrapped up in Stockholm back in July 2023. It was a monster. 330 shows. Nearly a billion dollars in ticket sales. Most people at 78 would take that win and spend the rest of their lives tending to a very expensive garden in the South of France. But Elton isn't most people.
He recently admitted in a holiday message to his "Rocket Club" fans that he played 11 private shows in 2025 alone. He says his voice is in "great shape." It’s that classic musician's itch—you can take the man off the road, but you can’t take the stage out of the man.
What’s actually on his 2026 calendar?
- New Music: He’s teasing not one, but two new albums. He’s already finished one, and he’s heading back into the studio this April to record another.
- The Bernie Connection: He’s working with Bernie Taupin again. He mentioned having seven new lyrics from Bernie that he’s dying to put to music.
- Rock in Rio: Despite being "retired" from touring, he is headlining Rock in Rio this coming September. It’s his first time playing Brazil in a decade.
Facing the Health Hurdles
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: his health. Elton has always been candid, but lately, he’s been especially open about the "devastating" challenges he’s facing.
The big one is his eyesight. After a severe infection in the summer of 2024, he lost vision in his right eye. His left eye isn't doing great either. He told Variety recently that the last 15 months have been a struggle because he can't read, he can't watch movies, and—most heartbreakingly—he can't see his boys playing soccer or rugby as clearly as he’d like.
"You just have to grin and bear it," he said. That’s the Elton way. He’s comparing his resilience now to the early days of the AIDS crisis. You stay stoic. You keep battering down the door.
Beyond the eyes, he’s basically a walking bionic man. He joked at a documentary premiere that "there’s not much of me left." No prostate, no appendix, no tonsils. New knees, a new right hip. Only the left hip is original equipment. It’s a miracle he’s still standing, let alone planning to record new albums with Andrew Watt.
Why We Are Still Obsessed With Him
It isn't just nostalgia. While many of his peers are content being legacy acts, Elton is still chasing "today." He’s moved past the retro-vibes of his 2025 collaboration with Brandi Carlile (Who Believes in Angels?) and wants his next record to be "contemporary" and "commercial."
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He’s also diversifying in ways that actually make sense for a 78-year-old sober icon. Just this month, he launched Elton John Zero, a non-alcoholic sparkling Chardonnay. It’s a £10 bottle you can find at Sainsbury’s. It feels like a full-circle moment for a man who famously ditched the booze in 1990 and hasn't looked back.
Actionable Insights for Fans in 2026
If you’re following Elton’s journey this year, here is what you need to keep on your radar to stay ahead of the curve:
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- Watch the Charts in April: That’s when he hits the studio. Given his recent track record of UK number ones, expect a massive marketing push for the "finished" album he’s been teasing.
- Rio is the Big Test: If you’re wondering if he’ll ever do a "residency" style comeback, the September 7th performance in Rio will be the indicator of his physical stamina.
- Check the Supermarket Aisles: If you’re in the UK, his alcohol-free "Elton Zero" is the new way to support his brand without needing a concert ticket.
- The Documentary Factor: Keep an eye out for more clips from Never Too Late. It provides the best context for why he chose to stop touring and how he views his mortality at 78.
Elton John isn't just an "old" musician. He’s a 78-year-old case study in how to age with a mix of flamboyant grace and brutal honesty. He’s lost his sight in one eye, but he hasn’t lost his vision for what’s next.