Among the many remarkable moments in Elton John’s impressive 60-year career, one decade stands out distinctly.

From his first album, “Empty Sky,” released in 1969, to 1979’s “Victim of Love,” John produced 13 albums showcasing extraordinary musical talent. This decade was also marked by a productive songwriting collaboration with Bernie Taupin, heavy drug use, a suicide attempt, his coming out as bisexual in a “Rolling Stone” interview, and two landmark performances at Dodger Stadium, making him the first artist to perform there since The Beatles.

This significant period is the focus of the documentary “Elton John: Never Too Late,” now streaming on Disney+. The film, which runs for 102 minutes, is co-directed by R.J. Cutler (known for “Martha” and “Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry”) and David Furnish, John’s husband. It contrasts John’s impactful early years with the recent shows that marked the conclusion of his career in 2022 at Dodger Stadium.

“We discovered two incredible moments in Elton’s life that intertwine powerfully,” Cutler explains. “One is when he kicked off his career and achieved success that hadn’t been seen since The Beatles And the second is his historic choice to stop touring after 50 years. We aimed to craft a film that isn’t just a rehash of Elton’s biography, but rather a cinematic journey for the viewers. Here we are. Our moment is fleeting. How do we want to live?”

Cutler accompanied John, now 77, to around a dozen concerts on the final U.S. leg of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour in 2022, as well as some performances in Europe.

The documentary not only features concert clips but also offers a look into John’s home life with Furnish and their sons, Zachary, who turns 14 this month, and Elijah, who will be 12 in January. It also includes moments from recording his Rocket Hour podcast and the preparation for his farewell performance, featuring a cameo by Dua Lipa during rehearsals for their 2021 hit “Cold Heart.”

Here are some key moments from the documentary.

Elton John’s Return to The Troubadour

Elton John’s exceptional live performance skills were recognized beginning in 1970 when he held his initial American concerts at The Troubadour in Los Angeles, achieving undeniable success (Los Angeles Times rock critic Robert Hilburn predicted that John would become “one of rock’s biggest and most important stars”).

Some archived photographs from that historical performance are presented for the first time in this documentary, according to Cutler, who delved into John’s personal archives.

Even more poignant is John’s return to the now-empty venue, with his sons accompanying him, just before his 2022 Los Angeles concerts.

“This  was tiny,” John comments in the film. “Look at the floor space!”

Despite the size difference, John remarks that the “atmosphere and aura” of the place has persisted.

Although Cutler notes, “Elton is not someone who dwells on the past or enjoys revisiting old venues,” John wished to create that memory with his sons.

“This was the night before the last performance at Dodger Stadium, and he wanted to take Zach and Elijah there. It’s a part of their family legacy,” Cutler adds.

Elton John’s Admiration for John Lennon

While it’s common knowledge that John Lennon joined John onstage at Madison Square Garden in 1974 due to a bet, it’s delightful to hear John recount this legendary tale.

After Lennon invited John to provide background vocals for “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night,” which evolved into a duet, John wagered that the track would reach No. 1 on the charts. Lennon, a skeptic by nature, disagreed. John told Lennon that if the song made it to the top, he would have to join him onstage for a performance.

The upbeat song became Lennon’s only No. 1 solo hit, and he honored his bet with John despite feeling extremely nervous about the performance.

“John was so anxious and physically ill before the show,” John shares, noting that the former Beatle hadn’t performed in years.

The documentary includes grainy but powerful footage of the performance intertwined with pictures from that night, where John is seen shirtless under overalls and Lennon wearing his signature glasses.

Interestingly, Cutler was present at that concert as a 13-year-old experiencing his first live show. He jokingly reminds Furnish that, “Elton and I will always have Madison Square Garden to ourselves.”

“I really appreciate that scene in the film since it showcases both the joy and the strength of Elton,” Cutler expresses.

John also reflects on his admiration for Lennon.

“I admire those who look forward to the future rather than dwelling on the past,” he shares. “John and I shared a lot of laughter and indulged in quite a bit of drugs.”

Elton John showed deep emotions during the documentary’s premiere

Cutler mentioned that John did not exert any influence over the filming or editing process, and he only viewed the completed film when it was almost finished.

“He told me, ‘Turn it up loud!’,” Cutler remembers.

The music icon joined Furnish at the Toronto Film Festival in September, seated between his husband and Cutler, for the documentary’s first public showing. The usual Q&A session after the screening was postponed by 10 minutes due to John’s emotional state following the viewing with the audience.

“He was trembling,” Cutler described. “When I asked him what affected him so deeply, he replied, ‘My family.’”