Billy Joel Opens Up on Hurtful Elton John Remark That Started Their Feud
Piano Man extraordinaire Billy Joel has finally shed light on the long-standing tension between himself and music icon Elton John. In a recent interview, Joel detailed a comment made by John in the early 2010s that he found deeply hurtful and which ultimately sparked a significant rift between the two legends. The revelation comes as Joel navigates a challenging personal period, having recently cancelled all upcoming tour dates following a diagnosis of a rare brain disorder.
The specific comment, according to Joel, revolved around his periods of rehabilitation. While he acknowledges John’s own struggles with addiction and recovery, Joel felt that John’s remarks were insensitive and lacked empathy. “It was just a hurtful thing to say,” Joel explained, implying that the comment was unnecessary and contributed to a cooling of their relationship. He didn’t go into great detail about the exact wording, but the impact was clear: it created a barrier between the two performers who, for a time, were seen as contemporaries and even friendly rivals in the world of music.
The feud, though largely unspoken publicly for years, has been a subject of speculation among music fans. Joel's candid admission offers a rare glimpse into the dynamics of the music industry and the potential for even the biggest stars to be affected by personal conflicts. While both artists have achieved immense success and recognition, it seems their paths diverged due to this underlying tension.
This disclosure comes at a difficult time for Joel, who announced in May that he was cancelling his upcoming tour dates due to a diagnosis of a rare brain disorder. The news sent shockwaves through the music community, with fans and fellow artists expressing their support and well wishes. While the nature of the disorder remains private, Joel has assured fans that he is focusing on his health and recovery.
Despite the past disagreements, Joel maintains a level of respect for John’s talent and accomplishments. He acknowledges John's undeniable impact on the music industry and the joy he has brought to millions of listeners. However, he remains firm in his belief that John’s comment was unwarranted and contributed to a period of strained relations between them. Whether the two music icons will ever fully reconcile remains to be seen, but Joel’s openness about the situation provides valuable insight into the complexities of fame and the challenges of maintaining personal relationships amidst the pressures of a demanding career.
The story highlights the importance of empathy and understanding, even amongst those who share a similar level of success and recognition. It also serves as a reminder that even legendary figures are susceptible to hurt feelings and the lasting impact of thoughtless words. As Billy Joel focuses on his health and future, his revelations about his relationship with Elton John offer a poignant reflection on the human element within the world of music.
