Elton John has turned a personal health experience into a unique fashion statement by transforming his kneecaps into jewelry. Following a double knee replacement in 2024, the 78-year-old music legend sought to keep his removed kneecaps, a request that surprised his surgeon. In a documentary discussing the significance of gold in his life, he shared this unusual journey.
In collaboration with renowned jewellery designer Theo Fennell, John created a distinctive necklace featuring a piece of his right kneecap. Fennell explained the intricate process of converting bone into wearable art: “We had to bake them to dry them out,” he noted. “Then they get raw like pumice stone, they’re very porous, and so we had to paint them with acetate and then just polish them up.”
Proudly showcasing the gold-framed necklace, Elton remarked, “My right kneecap. That’s my right patella. My surgeon said I had the worst knees he’s ever operated on.” He described the bone fragment’s appearance as reminiscent of an ancient artifact, stating, “That hole was actually in my kneecap. It looks a bit like an old artefact from Egypt.” According to The Mirror, John commended Fennell’s artistry and expressed his belief that these pieces are “timeless.”
The necklace also features a Latin inscription on its reverse side, translating to “I will no longer bow to any man.” Fennell humorously added, “Which of course you can’t do with a kneecap missing.” This creative endeavor highlights not only John’s resilience but also his ability to find beauty in personal challenges.
Elton has faced numerous health issues throughout his life. He previously revealed at the premiere of his biopic, “It’s Never Too Late,” the extent of his medical history, which includes the absence of tonsils, adenoids, and an appendix, as well as issues with his prostate and hips. “I don’t have a right hip or a left knee or a right knee,” he admitted, emphasizing his determination to continue performing despite these challenges.
In 2013, he had to postpone tour dates due to appendicitis, demonstrating his commitment to his craft. A spokesperson noted he made “superhuman efforts” to perform while unwell, ultimately leading to surgery to remove his appendix. Additionally, John has been living with Type 2 diabetes since the early 2000s, which has prompted significant changes to his diet. He has expressed cravings for chocolate and ice cream but has learned to manage his blood sugar levels through careful choices.
Elton’s health struggles continued when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. Choosing surgery over chemotherapy, he aimed to reduce the emotional burden on his family. The operation, however, resulted in severe complications that left him critically ill. In his autobiography, “Me, Elton,” he revealed he was “24 hours from death” after developing a rare infection. “In the hospital, alone at the dead of night, I’d prayed: please don’t let me die, please let me see my kids again, please give me a little longer,” he recalled.
Through these experiences, Elton John has shown resilience and creativity, transforming personal challenges into artistic expression. His unique jewellery serves not only as a fashion statement but also as a testament to his enduring spirit and dedication to both his art and his health.
