Revealed: The Strain and Reconciliation Between Billy Joel and Elton John

BILLY JOEL EXPOSES ELTON JOHN'S SHOCKING COMMENT: "HE CHALKED IT UP TO 'OH, HE'S A DRUNK'

In a jaw-dropping revelation, music legend Billy Joel has opened up about the tumultuous past between him and fellow rockstar Elton John. The Piano Man singer, 76, who has been candid about his struggles with addiction, revealed in part two of his documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" that there was a time when he and Elton John were at odds.

The drama began in 2011, when Elton John made some pointed comments to Rolling Stone about Billy's battle with booze. In the article, Elton blamed Billy's frequent rehab stints for canceling their Face to Face tour dates. The Rocket Man singer, who has also struggled with addiction, seemed to imply that Billy was using his sobriety as an excuse to get out of performing.

Billy Joel took issue with Elton's remarks, which he felt were not only hurtful but also misguided. "Elton had made a comment that he thought I needed real rehab," Billy recalled in the documentary. "He chalked it up to, 'Oh, he's a drunk.' And that really hurt me."

The tension between the two music icons was palpable at the time. Billy felt like Elton didn't understand him or his struggles with addiction. "I said, 'Wait a minute? Don't you know me better than that?' And there was bad blood for a little while," he revealed.

But it seems that both men have since buried the hatchet. In 2015, they were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame together, and Elton even publicly apologized to Billy during his acceptance speech. "Mr. Joel, I haven't seen you tonight, but I love you dearly," Elton said, as he accepted the Johnny Mercer award.

Billy took it as a sign that their friendship was back on track. When he introduced Foreigner, who were also being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he quipped, "Is Elton still here? By the way? We're OK, Call me. It's the same phone number."

In recent years, Billy has spoken publicly about his sobriety and how it has improved his life. In an interview with The Los Angeles Times in 2023, he revealed that he had quit drinking "a couple of years ago." When asked if he missed the old days of partying, Billy replied, "It wasn't a big AA kick. I just got to a point where I'd had enough. I didn't enjoy being completely inebriated, and it probably created more problems in my life than I needed."

But despite his newfound sobriety, Billy has faced some health challenges recently. He's been taking a break from touring to receive treatment for normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition that affects balance and mobility.

However, Billy seems to be staying positive and focusing on the good things in his life. Just this week, he was spotted riding in a limo through New York City when he came across a Pedi-cab playing one of his songs. He rolled down the window and gave the driver and passengers a friendly wave, saying "We're in a New York State of Mind...always."

The owner of Central Park Airlines, where the Pedi-cab was operating, wrote on social media: "Thank you very much again for stopping and making our day! It's my customers birthday today & she said she had the best birthday ever (thanks to you smile) RESPECT. If you ever want a pedicab ride - just say when & I'll make my limousine ready."

Billy Joel's documentary, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," is now available on HBOMAX, offering fans an intimate look at his life and career.