Elton John Says He's 'Never Felt Happiness Like I Have Now' as He Delights Never Too Late Crowd with Surprise Performance

The singer-songwriter, 77, took the stage at the U.S. premiere of the upcoming documentary ‘Elton John: Never Too Late’

Elton John is looking back on his illustrious career.

The singer-songwriter, 77, surprised the crowd with a performance at the New York Film Festival for the U.S. premiere of Elton John: Never Too Late on Tuesday, Oct. 1. John was accompanied at the event by his husband David Furnish, who co-directed the documentary with R.J. Cutler.

While on stage, John sang “Tiny Dancer” while simultaneously hitting the keys. After serenading the crowd in a white and black-colored suit, John gave a heartfelt speech about his “astonishing life.”

“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.”

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.”

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John added, “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.”

He concluded saying he’s “never felt happiness like I have now,” noting that “I’m 77 years of age, I’ve done all there is to do.”

The documentary made its world premiere in September at the Toronto International Film Festival. It spans the earlier years of John’s career into his final performance at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles in November 2022.

“As he bids farewell to his fans in a historic send-off unlike any other, he journeys back in time to his humble beginnings as a struggling musician who must overcome adversity, abuse, and addiction in order to become the icon he is today,” the official synopsis for the film reads.

“Packed with all of his greatest hits, as well as lesser-known gems from the 70s and unseen footage from Elton’s personal archives, this intimate and emotionally-charged story gives a front row seat to music history: Elton’s groundbreaking performance at the Troubadour Club in 1970, writing ‘Tiny Dancer,’ playing live with John Lennon in Lennon’s last ever public performance.”

Sir Elton John poses during The BRIT Awards — Elton John in London in May 2021.JMENTERNATIONAL FOR BRIT AWARDS/GETTY IMAGES

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It adds: “It’s a portrait of one of the most celebrated figures in pop music history, and a unique window into his unprecedented rise, near-downfall, and triumphant success.”

Lyricist Bernie Taupin, the late John Lennon and Dua Lipa also make appearances throughout the documentary packed with archival footage. According to a press release, the film will also feature a new song by the five-time Grammy winner.