Billy Joel shared candid insights into a pivotal moment in his friendship with Elton John in the HBO documentary, shedding light on how remarks about his need for rehab marked a low point. In the series “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” Joel reveals this incident led to a temporary strain, providing an introspective look at the complexities of their relationship. The documentary explores their dynamic and the challenges faced during their joint musical endeavors, offering a nuanced perspective on their storied connection.
Elton John’s Candid Remarks
In the HBO documentary, Joel recounted how Elton John’s comments about needing “real rehab” impacted him deeply. The public nature of the 2011 remarks, made during an interview with “Rolling Stone,” struck a chord with Joel. “Elton had made a comment that he thought I needed real rehab,” Joel reflected, noting that John’s characterization of him as a “drunk” was particularly hurtful.
Joel expressed surprise, saying, “I said, wait a minute? Don’t you know me better than that? And there was bad blood for a little while.” The documentary delves into how these remarks sparked a period of tension between the two musical icons.
A Rocky Partnership
The collaboration between Joel and John dates back to their “Face to Face” tour in 1994. Despite the initial friction Joel felt in being compared to the “Your Song” artist, he eventually embraced their joint performances. However, after their 2010 tour, John referenced “so many cancelled tours because of illnesses and various other things, alcoholism,” further highlighting the strains in their partnership.
John’s candidness extended to his participation in the film, where he remarked, “He’s going to hate me for this, but every time he goes to rehab, they’ve been light… I love you, Billy, and this is tough love.”
Rehabilitation and Reflection
Billy Joel’s journey through rehab, including a stay at the Betty Ford Center in 2005, forms a significant part of his personal and professional narrative. Following an ultimatum from his then-wife Katie Lee, the couple divorced in 2009. Joel took a hiatus from performing, stepping back to reassess his path forward.
In the documentary, Joel described the impact of John’s comments as feeling “clobbered” and reaching “rock bottom.” He admitted to a crisis of purpose, saying, “I was disillusioned with what I thought it was all supposed to mean.” This introspection led him to contemplate ending his musical career, as conveyed in his poignant letter to his band.
The nuanced look at Joel and John’s friendship in “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” provides fans with a deeper understanding of their complex relationship and the hurdles they’ve overcome together.
