I can understand your frustration with the background, but it did not harm the painting. I think that background, important as it may be to provide contrast and depth, it is just that, it is in the back, it should not call the viewers' attention.
The old man is the protagonist and he took center stage pretty well.
It reminded me of an old man I met in my town who lit his cigars with a candle.
I think that you did a great job transmitting the intensity of the lights.