Elton John: Never too late – A heartfelt journey through music and family
“I have one question… who is wearing sequins?”
This playful query from Cameron Bailey, CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival, set the tone for the world premiere of “Elton John: Never Too Late”. The documentary offers an intimate look at the life of one of music’s most enduring icons, Elton John.
A legend beyond the music
Despite being one of the best-selling artists of all time, Elton John emphasized that family holds a more significant place in his heart than fame. At the premiere, he shared a poignant wish: “On my tombstone, I don’t want it to say he sold a million records. I want it to say he was a great dad and great husband.”
“Never Too Late” captures John’s meteoric rise to stardom, framed by his legendary performances at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The film spans from his 1975 concert, attended by over 100,000 fans, to his 2022 performance, marking the final North American stop on his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour. The documentary also delves into his personal life, highlighting his relationship with his husband, David Furnish, and their two sons, Zachary and Elijah.
A personal reflection
Elton John expressed deep pride in his achievements, particularly those involving his family. “The thing I love about this movie is that I have him [Furnish] and my two sons. I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion. “I hope to keep making music, but I want to be home and treasure them. Having a No. 1 album is really nice for five minutes, but this is a lifetime.”
At 77, John revealed he is enjoying life more than ever, despite a recent severe eye infection that has impaired his vision. “I’m having the best time of my life – except this fucking eye. I wish I could see you,” he joked, eliciting laughter from the audience.
A standing ovation
The film was met with enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation as John took the stage. During a brief Q&A session, he made a subtle political statement, expressing hope for kindness to prevail in the American election. John, who received the National Humanities Medal in 2022, has always been vocal about his beliefs.
A taste for cinema
John also shared his love for cinema, citing “Field of Dreams” as a film that resonated with him due to its father-son theme. He also listed “The Godfather Part II” as his favorite movie, showcasing his diverse taste in films.
The making of “Never Too Late”
David Furnish, who co-directed the documentary with R.J. Cutler, aimed to chart John’s 50-year transformation from his first to his last performance at Dodger Stadium. The film features archival footage and new interviews, offering a candid look at John’s life. It covers his struggles with abuse, his tumultuous relationship with his first love and former manager John Reid, and his battles with addiction.
The documentary also highlights John’s friendship with John Lennon, featuring extensive footage from their 1974 Madison Square Garden concert, where Lennon made a surprise appearance.
A beautiful narrative arc
Furnish described the documentary as having a “beautiful narrative arc,” emphasizing that success means nothing without love. He credited Cutler with taking the lead in the project, acknowledging his own bias due to his close relationship with John.
Cutler, who attended his first Elton John concert in 1975 at the age of 13, shared a humorous anecdote about the lengths he went to secure a ticket. “I had to commit forgery and grand larceny to get a ticket,” he said. “I’m serious, and it was worth it.”
Explore more
For those eager to dive deeper into Elton John’s life and career, check out the trailer for Elton John: Never Too Late. This documentary promises to be a heartfelt journey through the highs and lows of a musical legend, offering a glimpse into the man behind the sequins.
For music enthusiasts, explore Elton John’s extensive discography on Music Beep. From his early hits to his latest releases, there’s a treasure trove of music waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re a fan of cinema, TV series, or music, “Elton John: Never Too Late” is a must-watch. It not only celebrates the artist’s incredible career but also his enduring love for his family, making it a truly inspiring story.