Billy Joel expresses impact of Elton John’s rehab comments in HBO documentary

Billy Joel recently shared a challenging experience from his friendship with Elton John in the second segment of the HBO Documentary, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes.” Joel revealed that John’s public suggestion that he needed rehab hit him hard and strained their relationship. The incident occurred following an interview with “Rolling Stone” in 2011 in which John implied that Joel needed real rehab due to his drinking habits. Joel expressed his hurt over the comment, feeling that John should have known him better. This led to a period of tension between the two friends, with Joel feeling disillusioned and hurt by the situation.

The rift between Joel and John followed a long history of collaboration and touring together. Their joint “Face to Face” tour in 1994 marked the beginning of their co-headlining journey, where Joel initially struggled with being compared to the iconic singer Elton John. Despite initial resentment, Joel eventually embraced the comparisons as they continued performing side by side on stage.

However, the strain on their friendship became evident in 2010 when John remarked on the challenges they faced on tour, including cancellations due to various reasons, including illness and alcoholism. Reflecting on Joel’s past struggles with alcohol, John expressed tough love in admitting that Joel’s visits to rehab were not always effective, vowing to support his friend through the process.

Joel’s own battle with alcoholism became public in 2005 when he entered rehab at the Betty Ford Center after receiving an ultimatum from his then-wife Katie Lee. Following the completion of rehab and the subsequent divorce from Lee in 2009, Joel retreated from the limelight and ceased touring. The comments from John about his need for rehab following this tumultuous period struck deep and pushed Joel to a breaking point.

Describing the impact of John’s comments, Joel revealed that he felt overwhelmed and saw it as a turning point in his life. The experience made him question his path and led to a moment of realization that prompted him to consider stepping away from his music career entirely. Joel recalled writing a letter to his band, expressing his desire to stop performing.

The HBO Documentary, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” delves into these intimate moments and sheds light on the challenges faced by the renowned musician. Despite the difficulties in their friendship, Joel and John’s bond has endured, with Joel reflecting on the tough love and support offered by his friend through the darkest moments of his life.