Billy Joel Reveals Elton John Rehab Comment Sparked Rift Amid Health Crisis

In the second part of the HBO documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," Billy Joel discusses a painful rift with longtime friend and tourmate Elton John stemming from a 2011 Rolling Stone interview in which John publicly criticized Joel's rehab efforts, describing them as "light" and suggesting Joel needed "real rehab." Joel expressed that being labeled "a drunk" by John deeply hurt him, causing "bad blood" between them and leading Joel to a moment of disillusionment where he contemplated ending his music career. Elton John had stressed the seriousness of addiction recovery by recounting his own rigorous rehab experience, but Joel felt misunderstood and unfairly judged. Despite the tension, Joel eventually embraced the comparisons to John and has maintained sobriety for two years after earlier rehab stints in 2002 and 2005. The documentary also touches on Joel's recent diagnosis of a brain disorder that has forced him to cancel upcoming concerts. Throughout their complicated friendship, Joel has reflected on being unfairly compared to John and the emotional impact of the public criticisms.