He was supposed to be done. The sequined glasses were meant to be on a shelf. In 2023, Elton John wrapped up his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in Stockholm, and everyone—fans, critics, the man himself—basically assumed that was the final curtain. But then again, no. It turns out "retirement" for a man who has dominated the charts for six decades doesn't look like shuffleboard and early bird specials.
It looks like more work.
Honestly, if you thought Sir Elton was going to just fade into the background of his Windsor estate, you haven't been paying attention. By early 2026, the narrative has shifted completely. We aren't talking about his legacy in the past tense anymore. We’re talking about what he’s doing next. He’s already teased a brand-new studio album for 2026, and he’s heading back to the studio this April to record another one. That’s two projects in the pipeline for a guy who is 78 years old.
It’s kind of ridiculous. But in the best way possible.
The EGOT Milestone and the Brandi Carlile Shift
You’ve probably heard about the EGOT. It's that rare "Grand Slam" of show business: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. In 2024, Elton finally clinched it. The win came via an Emmy for Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium. It was a huge moment, but it also felt like a "lifetime achievement" capstone. The sort of thing you get when you're finished.
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But then 2025 happened.
Instead of resting on those laurels, he dropped Who Believes in Angels?, a collaborative record with Brandi Carlile. It wasn't just a vanity project. It went straight to number one in the UK. People loved the retro, soulful vibe of it. It felt like "yesterday" music—warm, acoustic, and deeply personal.
Yet, Elton being Elton, he’s already bored with that sound. In recent interviews, he’s been vocal about wanting to move back toward a "commercial" sound. He wants to be on the radio. He wants to compete with the kids. He’s working with Andrew Watt again—the producer who helped craft the Lockdown Sessions—and he’s got a stack of new lyrics from Bernie Taupin that he says are "really, really good."
The Bernie Taupin Connection: Why It Still Works
You can't talk about Elton without Bernie. It’s the most successful "blind date" in music history. They’ve been writing together since 1967, and they still don't sit in the same room to do it. Bernie writes the words, sends them over, and Elton sits at the piano and finds the melody.
It’s a bizarre way to work. It’s also why they never fight.
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- No Creative Ego: Since they don't collaborate on the actual "notes" or "words" together, they don't bicker over syllables.
- The Surprise Factor: Elton has often said he loves the thrill of seeing a lyric for the first time. It keeps the process fresh.
- The 2026 Material: The new songs they’re cooking up are reportedly more contemporary. Think less "Tiny Dancer" and more "Cold Heart."
What Most People Get Wrong About His "Retirement"
The biggest misconception is that Elton stopped because he lost his voice or his energy. Neither is true. If you caught any of those 11 private shows he did in 2025, you know the pipes are still there. He stopped touring because he wanted to see his kids grow up.
He’s a dad first now.
He’s been very open about the fact that his priorities shifted once Zachary and Elijah came along. He spent 50 years in the back of a van or on a private jet. He’s done with the "road" in the traditional sense. But the "road" doesn't include one-off festivals. He’s already confirmed for Rock in Rio in September 2026.
That’s not a retired man. That’s a man who has finally figured out how to balance being a global icon with being a guy who has to get home for the school run.
The Human Side: Health and Resilience
It hasn't all been glitter and number ones, though. We’ve seen the headlines about his hip surgery and the occasional health scare. He’s 78. Things creak. He’s been surprisingly candid about the physical toll of performing, especially since he’s always been such a physical player—kicking the piano stool away, jumping on the keys.
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But he’s also sober. And has been since 1990.
That’s the real secret to his 2026 resurgence. He’s got a clarity that many of his peers lost decades ago. In his autobiography, Me, he talks about how fame is a dangerous drug if you don't have honesty to go with it. He found that honesty. He’s not trying to hide his age or his struggles; he’s just moving through them.
Actionable Insights for the Modern Fan
If you want to keep up with what Sir Elton is doing in 2026, don't look at the classic rock stations. Look at what’s happening in the studio.
- Watch the Andrew Watt sessions: This is where the "modern" Elton lives. Any collaboration coming out of that camp is going to be high-energy and radio-ready.
- Follow the Elton John AIDS Foundation: If you want to see where his heart is, this is it. He’s still heavily involved in the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
- Check the 2026 UK Charts: With "Step Into Christmas" hitting new peaks every year and a new album on the way, he’s likely to break more records for longevity.
The story of Elton John isn't a closed book. It's more like a long-running series that just got renewed for a few more seasons. He’s an EGOT winner, a father, a philanthropist, and apparently, still a guy who just wants to write a hit song.
He said he was leaving. But then again, no. He's still right here.