Elton John Surprises ‘Never Too Late’ Crowd With Performance, Talks Finding “Love, Happiness, and Bliss” in Moving Speech

Given his rich career in the music industry, Elton John recently celebrated the premiere of his new film Elton John: Never Too Late. The new film surrounded John’s career and the legacy he shaped while under the spotlight. Attending a showing at the New York Film Festival, the iconic singer decided to celebrate his film by giving a surprise performance to those in attendance. The icon also took a moment to discuss his life, happiness, and what he gained when he finally got sober. 

Taking the stage, fans watched as John gifted them a performance of “Tiny Dancer.” Revealing just how much music meant to him, the singer said, “There’s always been music through the good times and bad times. I’ve always relied on music to pull me through. Even when I was in my darkest times, I still played music, I still recorded music, so I have to say thank you to music for being the most incredible inspiration to me throughout my whole life.”

As John recalled what it was like to gain fame for the first time, he continued, “When I first became successful in those first five years, it was wonderful. It was all I wanted. I wanted people to love the songs, buy the records.” 

[RELATED: Watch Elton John Discuss the Struggles That Coincided with His 1970s Superstardom in Trailer for His New Doc, ‘Never Too Late’]

Elton John Reveals What He Gained By Getting Sober

Although John appeared to have the world in his hands, the singer continued to deal with alcohol abuse. But that changed in the 1990s. “In 1990, I got sober, and when that happened, I began to understand what was missing from my life: humility, gratitude, and faith. I had to build a foundation. Yes, music is wonderful. Fame is wonderful. But it didn’t satisfy me. Something was missing. So eventually, I found complete and utter happiness and bliss when I met David and when I had my children.”

Having fame, an ongoing career, and a wonderful family, John insisted he “Never felt happiness like I have now.” And with the icon nearing 80s, he concluded, “I’m 77 years of age, I’ve done all there is to do.”

(Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)