The New Documentary Touched By Gold Explores Gold’s Timeless Influence Throughout Elton John’s Iconic Career
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Carl Roberts 
The Touched By Gold Documentary sees Elton John reveal the golden moments of his celebrated life throughout his career.
Today, The World Gold Council unveils a new documentary, Touched by Gold. A powerful exploration of gold’s enduring influence on culture, creativity, and society. Told through the voice and life stories of Elton John.
Touched by Gold charts his profound connection to gold. Granting audiences an exclusive look at his personal archive. It reveals the intimate ways gold has inspired his art, music, and sense of individuality. Throughout the film, he shares the many deep and personal connections he has forged with gold over the years. This gives unique insight into his storied life and artistic achievements. From his legendary stage costumes to iconic accessories, Elton’s story is woven with the brilliance of gold. It serves as a timeless symbol of his identity and stage persona.
SHINING A LIGHT ON GOLD
Touched by Gold goes beyond fashion and performance, shining a light on gold’s vital but lesser-known role in modern medicine and science. The film reveals how gold is more than symbolic in Elton’s life. Gold serves as a key component in pacemakers, a technology he began relying on after receiving one in 1999. The documentary also showcases how researchers have utilised gold in the development of HIV detection technologies. This is a cause close to his heart through the work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Founded by Elton in 1992, the Foundation has raised more than $650 million to expand access to health care, combat HIV stigma, and help end AIDS.
ELTON JOHN
“From the moment I was presented with my first gold disc in 1970, gold has been there throughout some of my defining moments – my gold awards, the microphones I’ve used for some of my biggest albums, and even the gold lamè suit I wore on stage at Glastonbury,’ said Elton John.” Throughout my career, gold has always had a magic that inspires my music, my style and the way I express myself. In Touched by Gold, it was a pleasure to reflect on those joyous moments and share how this wondrous mineral has become such an important part of my career and life.”
Created by the World Gold Council, the documentary illustrates that gold is more than a precious metal and a trusted financial asset. It is both an enduring part of global culture, bridging tradition and progress, and a vital resource for its role in medicine, technology and the advancement of society.
DAVID TAIT
David Tait, Chief Executive Officer of the World Gold Council, added:
“The World Gold Council is immensely proud to partner with Elton John on our latest documentary, exploring the untold stories of gold. It is my hope that this film will deepen understanding of gold’s critical role in society, not just as a store of value, but as a catalyst for innovation, creativity and the positive development of societies and economies. Touched by Gold is a celebration of Elton John’s extraordinary journey and a testament to gold’s everlasting presence at the heart of human progress.”
ABOUT THE WORLD GOLD COUNCIL
We are a membership organisation that champions the role gold plays as a strategic asset, shaping the future of a responsible and accessible gold supply chain. Our team of experts builds understanding of the use case and possibilities of gold through trusted research, analysis, commentary, and insights. We drive industry progress, shaping policy and setting the standards for a perpetual and sustainable gold market.
You can follow the World Gold Council on X (Twitter) at @goldcouncil and LinkedIn and @thestoryofgold on Instagram and TikTok.
Touched by Gold premieres worldwide on 15 September 2025, available on TouchedByGold.com
Touched by Gold was directed by Grierson winner and BAFTA-nominated director, Toby Trackman and is produced by Pioneer Productions.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
