New releases, music videos and album news — indie, rap, rock and pop. Always covering Ren, Chris Webby, Sam Tompkins, bbno$, CHINCHILLA, Muse, Yungblud and more.
The booze-fuelled feud between Billy Joel and Elton John: “There was bad blood”
Billy Joel and Elton John’s friendship was strained by a public dispute during the 1990s and early 2000s, with alcohol misuse and blunt criticism worsening tensions. The feud mattered because the pair were prominent collaborators whose joint touring had been hugely successful, making their falling-out highly visible.
John reportedly urged Joel to seek treatment for drinking, comments Joel later said hurt him deeply, while Joel also criticised John’s management and behaviour around their tours. Despite periods of bad blood, the musicians eventually repaired their relationship and continued to acknowledge one another’s musical achievements.
In short
- Elton John and Billy Joel’s friendship was damaged by public criticism.
- Alcohol concerns were central to the dispute.
- The two musicians later reconciled.
Explained simply
Billy Joel and Elton John are two of the world's most celebrated musicians who have collaborated extensively throughout their careers. Their professional partnership was particularly successful in touring ventures, and their friendship was once close.
During the 1990s and 2000s, the pair's relationship deteriorated amid personal and professional tensions. Alcohol misuse featured in their disputes, with John publicly urging Joel to seek treatment for drinking, whilst Joel in turn criticised John's management decisions and behaviour.
Their falling-out mattered because these were two major figures in popular music whose conflict was highly visible to the public. The two musicians eventually reconciled and have since continued to acknowledge each other's musical achievements.