Elton John’s life has been a rollercoaster of success and struggle, triumph and tragedy; a journey that has captivated the world for over five decades. The release of the biopic “Rocketman” in May 2019 shed light on the rise and fall of one of the world’s greatest musicians, in his own words.

From Reginald Kenneth Dwight to Sir Elton Hercules John, the British pop star has taken the music world by storm with his iconic fashion sense, over-the-top performances and chart-topping hits. But behind the glitz and glamour, John’s life has been marred with personal battles and struggles that he has openly shared with the world.

Born in Pinner, Middlesex, in 1947, John showed an aptitude for music at an early age. He started playing the piano at the age of three and by the time he was eleven, he had earned a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music. But it wasn’t until he met lyricist Bernie Taupin in 1967 that his music career truly took off.

John’s raw talent and unconventional style appealed to audiences and his debut album, “Empty Sky,” released in 1969, received critical acclaim. It was the start of a string of hit albums and singles that would solidify his place in the music industry.

But with fame and success came the darker side of the industry. John’s personal life became a constant battle with his drug and alcohol addictions. In an interview with The Guardian, he admitted that at the height of his career, he would take cocaine and other drugs every day for four years.

The excess and recklessness took its toll on John’s mental and physical health, leading him to attempt suicide in 1975. He checked into rehab and was able to overcome his addictions, but it wasn’t the last time he would face personal demons.

In 1992, John publicly came out as gay and entered into a civil partnership with his long-time partner David Furnish in 2005. Despite facing discrimination and backlash from homophobic critics, John has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used his platform to raise awareness and funds for various organizations.

But his struggles were not limited to personal demons. John’s professional life also faced challenges, as he revealed in his autobiography “Me,” released in 2019. He spoke candidly about his tumultuous relationship with his manager and lover, John Reid, and his battle with bulimia.

Through it all, John’s love for music remained constant. He continued to release hit albums and perform sold-out concerts around the world, earning the title of one of the best-selling music artists in the world.

In 2018, John announced his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, which he described as his final tour before retiring. The tour spans over three years and will cover five continents, with John performing his greatest hits to millions of adoring fans for one last time.

However, as “Rocketman” portrays, the rise and fall of Elton John was never a straight path. It was filled with highs and lows, triumphs and struggles, but through it all, his music remained a constant source of inspiration and hope.

As John himself said, “You’ve just got to embrace yourself, whatever your demons are. That’s what I’ve done my whole life. I’ve just accepted the entire package.”

“Rocketman” allows viewers to see the man behind the music, flaws and all, and serves as a reminder that even the most successful individuals face their own battles. But it’s how we rise from those struggles that defines us, and for Elton John, his music will continue to live on as a testament to his journey.