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Key Points

Billy Joel reveals how Elton John's public comments about his need for rehab caused deep hurt between the two music icons. The HBO documentary shows Joel's emotional reaction to being labeled an alcoholic by his longtime friend. Joel also discusses his frustration with constant comparisons to John throughout their careers. The singer's recent health diagnosis has led to canceled tours and postponed appearances.

Key Points: Billy Joel Reveals Elton John Rehab Remark Caused Major Rift

  • Joel felt betrayed by Elton John's public rehab suggestion
  • Their friendship suffered due to John's tough-love approach
  • Joel disliked constant comparisons to fellow piano legend John
  • Health issues forced Joel to cancel 2025 tour dates
3 min read

Billy Joel opens up about his rift with Elton John over hurtful rehab remark

Billy Joel opens up about his fallout with Elton John over public rehab comments in HBO documentary, sharing emotional impact and career struggles.

"He chalked it up to, 'Oh, he's a drunk.' And that really hurt me. – Billy Joel"

Washington DC, July 27

Billy Joel talked about his differences with Elton John. During the newly released second part of HBO's "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" documentary, Joel revealed how John's public push for him to enter rehab caused a major rift between the two music superstars, according to the New York Post.

"Elton had made a comment that he thought I needed real rehab," he said, adding, "He chalked it up to, 'Oh, he's a drunk.' And that really hurt me."

"I said, wait a minute? Don't you know me better than that?" Joel continued. "And there was bad blood for a little while. There was a dovetailing of things that happened during that time."

After John claimed that he and Joel had "so many cancelled tours" because of "illnesses" and "alcoholism," he suggested that Joel seek real help.

"He's going to hate me for this, but every time he goes to rehab, they've been light," Elton John said at the time. "I love you, Billy, and this is tough love," according to the New York Post

Recalling how he felt after John's interview was published, Joel said that he was "clobbered" and had hit "rock bottom."

"I was disillusioned with what I thought it was all supposed to mean," he said in the second part of the new HBO doc. "It was like all the signs were pointing to me: Enough."

"And I wrote this letter to the band," he added. "'I don't want to do this anymore. I'm gonna stop'," according to the New York Post.

Joel previously started rehab in 2005 following what he called an "ultimatum" from his then-wife, Katie Lee.

Joel revealed in the documentary that he didn't like being compared to Elton John, even if they were close friends and frequent tourmates.

"Why would I wanna work with another well-known piano player's band?" Joel said this while discussing an incident in which some suggested he use John's band, according to the New York Post.

"The lack of imagination was staggering," he added. "And I was already having a critical issue with them comparing me to Elton."

Recently, Joel has been diagnosed with a brain disorder that has forced the "Stranger" artist to cancel all his concerts through next year.

It is known as normal pressure hydrocephalus, the condition affects one's hearing, vision and balance.

Joel announced that he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus in May, and he also revealed that he had to cancel his 2025 tour because his condition was "exacerbated by recent concert performances."

He also missed the world premiere of "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" when it played at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in June, according to the New York Post.

Both parts of HBO's new Billy Joel documentary are now streaming.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
These western celebrities and their drama! In India, we handle such matters within the family. Why wash dirty linen in public? Both are legends - they should resolve their issues privately like mature adults.
A
Aman W
As someone who grew up listening to both artists, this is heartbreaking. But I appreciate Billy's honesty about his struggles. Mental health is as important as physical health - something we Indians are finally starting to understand.
S
Sarah B
Interesting how even global icons face friendship challenges. In India, we have the concept of "sach ka saamna" (facing the truth) but it must be done with compassion. Elton's approach seems too harsh for Indian sensibilities.
V
Vikram M
Their music has given us so much joy. Instead of focusing on their rift, let's celebrate their contributions. "Piano Man" and "Rocket Man" are both masterpieces that transcend borders. Get well soon, Billy!
N
Nisha Z
This reminds me of Bollywood feuds that eventually get resolved. Maybe they need some good old Indian mediation! On a serious note, addiction is a disease, not a moral failing. Both artists should be more sensitive.
K
Karan T
As an Indian musician, I understand the pressure

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