Takeaways:
- Elton John opens up about facing mortality while recording a new track.
- The emotional moment was captured on film for his upcoming documentary.
- His powerful reaction highlights the impact of family, legacy, and aging in the entertainment industry.
- New album Who Believes in Angels?, featuring Brandi Carlile, drops April 4.
Elton John Reflects on Life, Legacy, and Love in a Heartfelt Studio Moment
In a deeply personal and emotional moment, music legend Sir Elton John broke down in tears for 45 minutes while recording a new song that made him reflect on his own mortality. The raw and vulnerable experience was captured on film for his upcoming documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late, offering fans and fellow artists a rare glimpse into the emotional depth behind the music.
As he approaches his 78th birthday on March 25, 2025, the Grammy-winning icon opened up about the toll aging has taken, both physically and emotionally. Recently recovering from an eye infection that affected his vision, Elton shared how writing and recording the track “When This Old World Is Done with Me” forced him to confront some of life’s hardest truths.
“When you get to my age, which is near 100, you think, ‘How much time have I got left?’” Elton candidly said during his appearance on the SmartLess podcast.
A Song That Hits Home
The emotional breakdown occurred while Elton was in the studio with longtime collaborator Brandi Carlile, working on their upcoming joint album Who Believes in Angels?, set to release April 4.
The song, written with his legendary lyricist Bernie Taupin, took a haunting turn for Elton when he reached the chorus, which centers around themes of death and farewell. With his two sons—Zachary Jackson (14) and Elijah Joseph (12)—and his husband David Furnish (62) in mind, the message hit hard.
“So I’m writing the verse, like, ‘Oh, this is really pretty.’ Then I get to the chorus and, of course, it’s about my death… I just broke down for 45 minutes, and it’s all on film,” Elton revealed.
A Moment That Moved Everyone
Brandi Carlile, who was present during the recording, described the moment as “deeply human.” She emphasized the authenticity of Elton’s reaction—one that stripped away the glamour and showed the vulnerability of an artist still processing the weight of his legacy.
“I want everybody to see it because it’s really human, like deeply flawed and embarrassing. The kind of stuff you do when you forget the camera is rolling,” Brandi shared.
She added, “He got to the end of that chorus, and his voice started to shake. I thought, ‘Oh, he’s going to really go.’ And he did—it was a real moment.”
Why This Matters to Entertainment Professionals
For aspiring actors, musicians, and filmmakers, Elton’s emotional journey is a powerful reminder of the human side of artistry. It’s easy to get caught up in performance, fame, and accolades—but the true essence of entertainment lies in vulnerability and connection.
Whether you’re writing a screenplay, preparing for an audition, or producing music, understanding the emotional truth behind your work is what sets you apart. Elton John’s moment of raw emotion underscores that even legends are not immune to fear, love, and the desire to leave something meaningful behind.
Upcoming Release: Who Believes in Angels?
The upcoming album marks a significant collaboration between two powerhouse talents. With the deeply moving “When This Old World Is Done with Me” anchoring the project, fans can expect a collection that blends personal storytelling with rich musicality.
The album launches April 4 and is already generating buzz thanks to Elton’s vulnerable studio moment, which is featured in the Never Too Late documentary—an unmissable watch for anyone in the entertainment industry looking to understand the soul of an artist.
Final Thoughts
Sir Elton John’s tearful reflection is more than just a viral moment—it’s a masterclass in artistic authenticity. His willingness to be vulnerable in front of the world reminds us that real emotion is the core of great storytelling, whether in music, film, or on stage.
