Elton John's New Documentary Unveils Friendship with Lennon and Personal Journey
Elton John's documentary "Never Too Late" reveals his pivotal role in John Lennon's life and his own journey of self-discovery. The film offers intimate insights into the music legend's career and personal growth.
A new documentary titled "Elton John: Never Too Late" recently debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival, offering an intimate look into the life of the renowned musician. The film, directed by David Furnish and R.J. Cutler, provides a candid exploration of Elton John's career and personal journey.
The documentary delves into John's relationship with John Lennon, which began in 1973. Despite his own stardom, John admits feeling in awe of the former Beatle. Their friendship, spanning two years, involved shared experiences and musical collaborations.
One of the film's highlights is the recounting of Lennon's performance with John at Madison Square Garden in 1974. This event marked Lennon's return to the stage, with John describing it as "probably the greatest night of my professional career."
The documentary suggests John's role in reuniting Lennon with Yoko Ono. John states, "I was probably the catalyst of John and Yoko getting back together." This reunion led to the birth of Sean Lennon, of whom John became the godfather.
John's personal journey is a significant focus of the film. He discusses his decision to come out as bisexual in 1976 and later as gay in 1992. The artist reflects on the impact of honesty in his life, stating, "When I stopped fooling myself, obviously my life turned around."
The documentary also touches on John's struggles with addiction and his path to sobriety, which began in 1990. He credits the kindness of strangers for supporting him during difficult times.
"Fame is a dangerous thing if you don't have something else, and that something else is honesty. If you don't have the honesty to go with the fame, then you're going to be in real, real trouble, like I was before I got sober in 1990."
Now 77 years old, John expresses contentment with his current life. He retired from touring in 2023 to focus on his family, which includes his husband David Furnish and their two sons.
Despite facing health challenges, including a recent eye infection, John remains positive about his future. He concludes by sharing his desire to be remembered not for his musical achievements, but as "a great dad and great husband."
