STAGE TUBE: Matt Lauer Interviews Elton John on TODAY

In the first of a two-part interview which aired on this morning's TODAY with Matt Lauer, legendary entertainer Elton John discussed why he waited to reveal to the public that he was gay. He also spoke of his devotion to Ryan White, the young boy who contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion, and whose plight captivated the nation. Check out the exclusive interview below!

Sir Elton John sat down with TODAY's Matt Lauer for the exclusive interview about his first-ever memoir, Love is the Cure: On Life, Loss and the End of AIDS. John speaks candidly about the personal toll AIDS has taken on his life, and his passion for his work in the fight against the disease. He also opens up about his struggle with drugs, alcohol and bulimia, and he reveals deeply personal details about going public with his own sexuality.

Part two of the interview, which took place at John’s home outside of London, will air on NBC’s TODAY on Wednesday July 18.

The sale of Love is the Cure will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF). Founded in 1992, EJAF has raised $275 million to fight the AIDS epidemic and to help those affected by it.