Elton ‘raring’ to make new music after hip op
SIR Elton John says he has undergone hip surgery but is “raring to go” and been spurred on to make new music and raise Aids awareness, after receiving a prestigious national award.
The global star walked with the aid of an ornate stick after being made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by the Prince of Wales during a Windsor Castle investiture ceremony.
He reflected on a glittering career that has seen him release a hit single in every decade since the 1970s, and notch up worldwide record sales of 300 million.
Sir Elton said: “I’ve had an amazing life, music has been my life, and I got this for music and for work for charity.
“I may not look as if I’m 100% fit – but I’m not quite – but I’m still raring to go and I’ve got a lot more work to do as far as my life goes.
“So this is just a reminder that there’s more to do.
“More work to do for music, more work to do for charity and life is great – I’m so lucky.”
Sir Elton’s farewell tour has been pushed back and will kick off next year, but he insists he is full of energy despite the operation on his right hip.
He said: “I’ve had a hip replacement but I’m full of beans and I’m full of zest, but this is just a prompter to say ‘come on you’ve got more to do now’.”
The singer-songwriter added: “I was in pain for a couple of years. I decided to postpone the shows, get it done so I could enjoy all the tour and not struggle through it.”
He began his career in the late 1960s and has notched up eight number one UK singles, from his first in 1976, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart with Kiki Dee, and his most recent with Dua Lipa called Cold Heart released just a few weeks ago.