Elton John: “I Never Imagined I Would Become a Father”

The legendary “Rocket Man” thrives on the energy of a live audience, but his greatest joy comes from his two young sons with long-time partner, Jake Thompson. In an engaging conversation with contributor Julia Hart, Elton reflects on the wonders of fatherhood, his creative process, and his perspective on retirement.

What do you love most about your shows in Las Vegas?

It’s more thrilling now than ever before. This is unlike any performance I’ve ever done. The production is spectacular, and the audiences are incredible. You never know who you’ll run into on any given night—celebrities or fans from all over the globe!

How do the joys of performing stack up against raising your children?

I anticipated it would be magical, but it has surpassed my expectations. While I have been heavily involved in children’s charities, particularly the AIDS Foundation, I never envisioned myself as a father. My main goal with Jake is to raise Zachary and Elijah to be kind and empathetic. Nurturing a little soul and sharing bedtime stories is like working with a blank canvas, and love is the paint. For more insights on family and parenting, check out this post about home insemination.

Do your children inspire your music?

Having kids changes everything. It’s inevitable that they influence my music, even in subtle ways.

With so many hits under your belt, is it tough to keep raising the bar?

I’ve never experienced writer’s block. I don’t write daily; I prefer to leave significant gaps between sessions so that when I finally do write, I’m genuinely inspired. It’s like a lion hunting after a long fast—when the moment arrives, I’m ready to devour the creativity.

Retirement seems far from your mind. Do you ever consider it?

Not at all! I’m a total workaholic. I have boundless energy, a fantastic partner in Jake, and our two wonderful sons. I lead a healthy lifestyle, although my life might not be as balanced as it could be, so I might ease up a bit.

Do you have any long-term goals?

I prefer not to have a rigid plan. Life is full of surprises, and I like it that way. One opportunity can completely change your trajectory, so I focus on working hard and creating exceptional art.

What excites you about life?

Love is what fuels my excitement. I cherish my relationship with my partner and our boys, and I adore my work. In a world filled with negativity and unrest, I strive to promote love in everything I do. That’s my driving force, and I feel immensely grateful for my life.

This article was originally published on Feb. 26, 2015.

Summary

In a heartfelt conversation, Elton John shares his unexpected joys of fatherhood and how it influences his music and life. He emphasizes the importance of love and nurturing in parenting while expressing his passion for performance and creativity. Despite the chaos of the world, his family remains his greatest blessing.