In the second part of the documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, premiering on July 25, 2025, Billy Joel opens up about a period of “bad blood” between him and Elton John. The source of their tension? A comment by Elton John in a 2011 interview, suggesting that Joel needed to go to rehab.
This revelation sheds light on a moment of deep personal pain for the “Piano Man” hitmaker, and it brings to the surface the complexity of their long-standing friendship.
Billy Joel Talks About the Impact of Elton John’s Comments
Billy Joel explains that Elton John’s public declaration that he thought Joel needed “real rehab” deeply affected him. In the interview, John referred to Joel as “a drunk,” which Joel took as a personal attack. He revealed that this comment “hurt me,” especially considering their history as close friends and tourmates.
The “Your Song” musician’s statement came on the heels of a difficult period in Joel’s life, which included his rehab stint in 2005 and struggles with alcohol.
Joel’s reaction was one of confusion and frustration: “I said wait a minute? Don’t you know me better than that?” he recalls in the documentary. This public comment created a rift between the two, leading to a phase of “bad blood” that lasted for a while. Despite their complicated relationship, both musicians have continued to share a mutualrespect’ss careers.
The Strain of Public Scrutiny and Personal Struggles
The tension between Billy Joel and Elton John was amplified by the pressures of the public spotlight. Following the 2010 leg of their joint Face to Face tour, John told Rolling Stone that canceled tours due to health and alcoholism issues were a recurring problem for Joel. John expressed his frustration with Joel’s repeated rehab visits, stating, “Every time he goes to rehab, they’ve been light… I love you Billy, and this is tough love.”
Joel describes the emotional toll this took on him, explaining that he felt “clobbered” and hit rock bottom after John’s remarks. In response, Joel considered quitting music altogether, even writing a letter to his band saying, “I don’t want to do this anymore.” This moment of self-doubt reveals just how much the words of a close friend affected him during a vulnerable time in his life.
A Path to Recovery and Healing
Despite the tension, Billy Joel’s path to recovery was one of resilience. He entered the Betty Ford Center in 2005 and, following his rehab, took a break from the public eye. In 2023, Joel revealed that he had quit drinking altogether, saying, “I stopped a couple of years ago. It wasn’t a big AA kick. I just got to a point where I’d had enough.”
His journey is a testament to the ongoing struggle of balancing personal demons with public expectations, and it offers a glimpse into the complicated nature of his relationship with Elton John.
This latest installment of Billy Joel: And So It Goes offers fans a candid look at the personal and professional struggles that have shaped one of the most iconic musicians of our time.