Elton John Opens up About Confronting Mortality on New Album: ‘I Just Broke Down for 45 Minutes'
Elton John told the 'Smartless' podcast how the final song on his new album hit closer to home than he had expected.
www.billboard.comHere’s the latest publicly reported news about Elton John and his Songbook projects, up to the most recent coverage I can verify.
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Elton John remains active in the studio and continues to discuss new music projects tied to his ongoing collaborations, including materials written with Bernie Taupin. Several outlets highlighted his intent to release new songs and to complete projects despite health and touring considerations. For example, coverage from late 2024 to 2025 noted ongoing studio work and anticipated releases, with occasional updates on health affecting timelines. [news: various outlets, 2024–2025]
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A notable focus has been the collaborative album with Brandi Carlile, which has been featured prominently in interviews and previews. Journalists described the project as giving Elton John a fresh artistic spring, with Carlile contributing both as co-writer and performer on select tracks. This album has generated substantial press attention around early 2025 and again in 2026 as release plans evolved. [news: variety, telegraph, 2025]
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Health considerations, particularly eye-related issues, have influenced both the timing and the nature of public appearances and studio work. Reports have frequently mentioned that eye health has impacted Elton’s ability to finish lyrics and perform, contributing to delays or adjusted schedules for new material releases. Despite these challenges, multiple profiles indicated a continued commitment to new music and live performances in some capacity. [news: Sky News, Billboard, 2024–2025]
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In terms of touring, Elton John announced retirement from touring, but has continued to make select appearances and special performances. The press described a shift from full-scale tours to sporadic live events and promotional appearances tied to his new recordings and charitable work. [news: Billboard, Variety, 2025]
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For fans following discography and release cadence, several outlets reported that Elton remains engaged in writing and recording, with multiple sources noting “seven new lyrics” supplied by Bernie Taupin and a desire to release material that reflects contemporary tastes while staying true to his legacy. Grammys considerations were mentioned in relation to his newer collaborative work. [news: Variety, Billboard, 2025]
Illustration: A quick glance at the landscape shows Elton John balancing studio sessions, health updates, and selective performances as he pilots a continuing album cycle centered on new collaborations, including Carlile and Taupin, while navigating public health considerations that shape release timing.
If you’d like, I can narrow this to one or two reliable outlets with direct quotes and provide a brief timeline of confirmed release dates and announced projects. I can also fetch the latest headline by region (e.g., UK vs. US) or focus on the specific Songbook project you’re most interested in.