logo
Elton John | Source: Getty Images
Elton John | Source: Getty Images

Elton John Reveals One Reason Why You'll Never See Him Performing Without His Glasses

Gaone Pule
Sep 12, 2024
11:45 A.M.

Elton John recently experienced a serious health issue that has significantly affected his eyes. Famous for his signature glasses at every performance, the global icon opened up about the importance of wearing them on stage. See photos of him without glasses as he looks slightly different.

Advertisement

On September 4, 2024, legendary singer Elton John shared on social media that he suffered a health issue. He penned, "Over the summer, I've been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye."

Advertisement

John expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported him, particularly appreciating the excellent care he received from his doctors, nurses, and family over the past several weeks. The singer has been quietly spending the summer recuperating at home and remains optimistic about his progress in healing and recovery.

Advertisement

Despite this health challenge, John remains optimistic and appreciative of the support he has received, continuing to show why he remains a beloved star both on and off the stage. John is also known for never performing on stage without his signature sunglasses.

Elton John's pop up eyewear | Source: Instagram/eltonjohneyewear

Elton John's pop up eyewear | Source: Instagram/eltonjohneyewear

He shared that after wearing countless pairs of glasses throughout his career, he has developed a strong sense of what makes a quality frame. His famous name is even displayed on his first standalone boutique in Greek Street in England.

An exterior view of Elton John Eyewear pop up store pictured on Greek Street on August 10, 2023, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

An exterior view of Elton John Eyewear pop up store pictured on Greek Street on August 10, 2023, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

Designed by him, one wall has 158 pairs of optical frames and sunglasses on display. Each pair features John's logo and has a name that is meaningful to him.

Advertisement

Some of them are inspired by unique styles that he's worn on stage over the years. John expressed how proud he is of his collection, sharing that he even rocks them frequently.

Advertisement

Ahead of his final UK tour dates in 2023, there was curiosity on whether the British pianist would be wearing his own collection. However, his spouse and manager, David Furnish, said no, and explained, "He's contracted to wear Gucci eyewear on this tour." Still, there's a chance that John might sport them at his future performances.

Advertisement

The iconic singer began his eyewear venture in 2021 through a partnership with Walmart and Sam's Club. When asked how the idea came about, John revealed it all began during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Elton John's pop up eyewear | Source: Instagram/eltonjohneyewear

Elton John's pop up eyewear | Source: Instagram/eltonjohneyewear

With touring paused due to the global pandemic, he and Furnish found themselves with plenty of time at their Windsor home to brainstorm and develop new ideas.

"David and I had been talking about doing something with glasses for a while, so we decided to clear the wardrobes and put every pair I had on our dinner table to see what we could come up with," the superstar divulged.

Advertisement

Asked how many frames there were, Furnish chimed in saying, "Oh, several thousand." He further explained that they were custom-made from famous brands including Dior, Saint Laurent, and Tom Ford.

The manager shared that the aha moment came when they grouped them according to their style "and realized that we could tell the entire story of Elton's life and career through eyewear."

Advertisement

As for why he loves wearing them on stage so much, John disclosed in an interview, "I tried it in the early Eighties but I felt exposed. Glasses give me confidence. I’m not me without them."

He first announced the news of his eyewear business on his Facebook account, writing, "I'm just not myself without my glasses. [...] Designed by me to celebrate you! #lookyourself and support Elton John AIDS Foundation with every purchase." His followers commented on the post and complimented him, especially for his love for glasses.

Advertisement

"I love the sense of style you show with your glasses. But I also love being able to see your eyes without glasses on. Shows a different side of you which is also amazing," wrote one user. Another said, "Love the man & his glasses. Thanks, Elton."

Elton John performs during the Grand Opening Ceremony for the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center on June 28, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Elton John performs during the Grand Opening Ceremony for the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center on June 28, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Although he is now frequently seen wearing glasses, especially during performances, this wasn’t always the case in the early years of his career. Vintage photos reveal John attending several events without his signature eyewear.

In June 1978, John was seen without his signature glasses as the celebrity attended a party following Roberta Flack's concert. He wore a red outfit with a striped cap.

Elton John attending Roberta Flack's concert party on June 12, 1978, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Elton John attending Roberta Flack's concert party on June 12, 1978, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

Several years later in January 1981, the "I'm Still Standing" singer was spotted in a casual setting, once again without his iconic glasses. He smiled while wearing an orange top and a hat.

Elton John pictured on January 1, 1981 | Source: Getty Images

Elton John pictured on January 1, 1981 | Source: Getty Images

On August 6, 1982, the music star attended a party following his concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Notably, he was without his signature glasses.

Elton John at his concert party on August 6, 1982, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Elton John at his concert party on August 6, 1982, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

In one portrait, taken on January 1, 1984, the 77-year-old was captured without his iconic glasses as well. He posed in a black cowboy hat and a brown sweater.

Elton John photographed on January 1, 1984 | Source: Getty Images

Elton John photographed on January 1, 1984 | Source: Getty Images

Well-known for wearing his glasses during performances, John was seen performing without them on August 26, 1984, at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater in Irvine, California. He was dressed in a vibrant blue outfit with a matching hat.

Elton John performs in concert on August 26,1984, in Irvine, California. | Source: Getty Images

Elton John performs in concert on August 26,1984, in Irvine, California. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

During his "Breaking Hearts" tour on August 28, 1984, John performed at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. For this show, he wore a bright red blazer paired with a matching hat, showcasing his signature flamboyant style.

Elton John performing during his "Breaking Hearts" tour on August 28, 1984 in San Francisco. | Source: Getty Images

Elton John performing during his "Breaking Hearts" tour on August 28, 1984 in San Francisco. | Source: Getty Images

Two years later, John took to the stage on December 1, 1986 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre wearing a black blazer adorned with shiny imprinted stars. He also sported a spunky pink hairstyle, showcasing his bold and adventurous fashion choices.

Elton John performing at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on December 1, 1998, in Australia | Source: Getty Images

Elton John performing at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on December 1, 1998, in Australia | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

In 2020, John and Bernie Taupin received a standing ovation while presenting "Rocketman" at the Golden Globe Awards. During their time on stage, John removed his glasses, marking a notable moment for the legendary performer.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin present at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards | Source: YouTube/ Elton John HD Collection

Elton John and Bernie Taupin present at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards | Source: YouTube/ Elton John HD Collection

Elton John's evolving style and iconic eyewear have been as memorable as his legendary music career. Through his health challenges and personal milestones, John continues to captivate audiences, reminding the world why he remains a beloved figure both on and off the stage.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Why Do People Want to 'Save' Utah Mom of 8, Known For Her 'Ballerina Farm,' from Her Millionaire Husband?

August 01, 2024

Stevie Wonder Always Performs in Glasses – He Took Them off 3 Times to Show His Face

August 22, 2024

David Beckham's Wife Victoria, 50, Ignites Mixed Reactions over 'Unrealistic and Disturbing' Look in Vacation Pics

August 29, 2024

This Officer Captivated the Whole World within a Few Minutes While Doing Just One Thing

September 04, 2024

Everything You Need to Know about Stephen Nedoroscik, Pommel Horse Hero Who Changed Olympic History after 16 Years

August 01, 2024

What Is Known about the Olympian Shooter Who Went Viral & Made the Web Talk about Him?

August 02, 2024

'What Happened': Pierce Brosnan Rocks 'Grandfather' Look with Completely Gray Hair & Beard, Igniting Buzz — Pics

July 09, 2024

John Schneider Married New Girlfriend 1 Year after Their Both Spouses Died – Who Is She?

July 02, 2024

Pierce Brosnan, 71, Shows Off Transformation with Thinning Gray Hair in Latest Snap, Igniting Reactions

May 21, 2024

'Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman' Star Jane Seymour, 73, Showcases Her Figure in White Swimsuit, Drawing Mixed Reactions

July 03, 2024

This Child Star Lost His House & Left Hollywood — At 42, He Changed Iconic Red Hair for Bold Haircut & Beard

May 20, 2024

'You're a Grandma': Salma Hayek, 57, Flaunts Gray Hair & Shapely Curves in a Two-Piece Swimsuit, Igniting Buzz

August 28, 2024

This Biracial Boy Is Son of TV Star & His Bartender Wife — His Dad Prays That People Will Stop Sending Hateful Letters to His Family

June 27, 2024

This Boy Is the Son of Hollywood Actor Who Stopped Career after His Birth – Their Story Inspires

August 07, 2024