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Billy Joel finally reveals what sparked ‘bad blood’ with Elton John

BBG News

Billy Joel acknowledges that he and his longtime friend Elton John have had their differences in the past, but currently, they’re on friendly terms again.

In the second installment of the documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” which premiered on Friday, Billy Joel, age 76 and known for his hit song “The Piano Man,” shared that a remark made by John to Rolling Stone in 2011 suggesting he needed rehab felt disrespectful. This is regarding his troubled marriage with Christie Brinkley, who is also 71 years old.

In the movie, the Pressure vocalist expressed that Elton John had made a remark suggesting I required genuine rehabilitation. He dismissed it as, “Ah, he’s just drunk,” which was particularly painful for him to hear.

In my own words, as a lifestyle advisor, I might say: “I had to pause and express surprise – ‘Hold on a second, don’t you recall our history together?’ Unfortunately, this led to a brief strain in our relationship. Looking back, there were multiple circumstances that seemed to intersect during that period.

In a Rolling Stone piece, it was mentioned that Joel and John had just concluded a segment of their Face to Face tour, initiated in 1994, and the author attributed several canceled shows to Elton John’s accusation that Joel’s alcoholism was the cause.

In a frank conversation, reminiscent of difficult conversations, the Rocket Man artist admitted, “I fear he won’t appreciate this, but every time he seeks help at rehab, they seem too lenient… I care deeply for you, Billy, and this is an expression of tough love.” This artist has dealt with struggles related to alcohol and cocaine addiction in the past.

In 2005, Joel was admitted to The Betty Ford Clinic for rehabilitation, a decision prompted by his wife, Katie Lee, at that time. Soon after, he resumed his touring activities. However, their marriage ended in 2009 with a divorce.

In the documentary, the honest artist expressed that he was deeply affected by John’s remarks, feeling utterly crushed, and reached a low point in his life.

He shared with the crowd that he had lost faith in the significance of it all, explaining that things seemed to be indicating to him that it was time to move on. Feeling compelled, he penned a letter to the band expressing his desire to quit and his intention to cease further involvement.

Two men reconciled a few years down the line when John and his writing partner Bernie Taupin were enshrined into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Addressing John during his acceptance speech for the Johnny Mercer award, he declared affectionately, ‘Even though I haven’t seen you tonight, my dear John, I hold you deeply in my heart.’

Later, when it was Joel’s turn to present the band Foreigner, who were also being inducted, he said, ‘By the way, is Elton John around? Give us a call if you are. Our phone number hasn’t changed.’

In 2023, Joel told the Los Angeles Times he had quit drinking alcohol ‘a couple of years ago.’ 

Instead of experiencing a major turning point in the form of an AA epiphany, I simply reached a breaking point. The constant state of intoxication wasn’t enjoyable for me, and it likely caused more troubles in my life than I could afford.

I, being a devoted follower, have temporarily halted my tours to focus on seeking treatment for a health issue known as Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. This condition, among other aspects, has impacted my balance significantly.

This past week, while traveling by limousine in New York City, Joel unexpectedly encountered a pedicab blasting one of his tunes.

He surprised both the driver and the passengers by rolling down the window to greet them. Below the picture, he added the words “We’re in a New York State of Mind…always.

The owner of Central Park Airlines expressed gratitude once more for stopping and brightening our day. It turns out that it was a customer’s birthday today, and she declared it as the best birthday ever ( all thanks to you, smiley face ☺️ ). With respect, if there’s ever a time when you need a pedicab ride, just let me know and I’ll have my limousine prepared.

Both episodes of Billy Joes: And So It Goes are available on HBOMAX.

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2025-07-27 04:49

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