Rockstars Elton John Can’t Stand

Elton John stands as one of the most influential musicians in pop music history, with a prolific career spanning over 30 albums and more than 300 million records sold worldwide. Known for his ability to craft hits that resonate across generations, John has remained relevant in the music scene for decades. Whether it’s a solo album, the soundtrack for The Lion King, or a collaboration with contemporary artists like Lady Gaga, Elton John consistently proves his adaptability and timeless appeal.

Despite his success and widespread acclaim, Elton John’s relationships with fellow celebrities have been anything but smooth. His candid nature and outspoken personality have led to both cherished friendships and notable feuds.

David Bowie
In the 1970s, Elton John and David Bowie were among the most flamboyant and influential artists. They, along with Marc Bolan of T.Rex, formed a close-knit group that frequented gay clubs and spent considerable time together. However, as time passed, their relationship soured. John recalls that they drifted apart and attributes some of the tension to Bowie’s derogatory comments. Bowie once called John “rock ‘n’ roll’s token queen” in a Rolling Stone interview, which John found snooty. Despite the strain, John admired the dignified way Bowie handled his battle with cancer before he died in 2016, calling it “classy.”

Bob Dylan
Elton John’s encounter with Bob Dylan in the 1980s highlights his humorous and sometimes outrageous behavior. At one of John’s parties, he mistook a scruffy Dylan for a gardener and loudly questioned his presence. After being corrected, John attempted to give Dylan a makeover, much to Dylan’s dismay. The awkwardness continued later at a dinner with Simon and Garfunkel, where John pelted Dylan with oranges during a party game, further underscoring the eccentricity of their interaction.

Keith Richards
Elton John’s relationship with Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones is marked by mutual disdain. Their feud possibly began in 1975 when John allegedly overstayed his welcome during a Stones concert. Richards has criticized John’s theatrical style and his tribute to Princess Diana, “Candle in the Wind 1997.” John responded harshly, mocking Richards’ appearance and suggesting the Stones should have ousted him years earlier. Despite their ongoing animosity, a 2015 photo of them together, orchestrated by Ron Wood, suggests a grudging truce.

Rod Stewart
Elton John’s dynamic with Rod Stewart exemplifies a long-standing frenemy relationship. Known for their competitive pranks, they have pulled elaborate stunts on each other, like John hiring someone to shoot down Stewart’s promotional blimps and Stewart orchestrating a jewelry heist. Despite their playful rivalry, they shared a close bond, referring to each other as “Sharon” and “Phyllis.” However, their friendship hit a rough patch in 2018 when Stewart criticized John’s farewell tour as a “money-grabbing” stunt, leading to a fallout.

George Michael
George Michael’s friendship with Elton John also deteriorated over time. In the mid-2000s, John criticized Michael’s 2004 album Patience and made comments about Michael’s personal life, which Michael found intrusive and baseless. Michael’s rebuttal highlighted their limited interactions and John’s reliance on gossip. Their relationship never fully recovered, but after Michael died in 2016, John expressed deep admiration for him, emphasizing his humanity and musical legacy.

Elton John’s legacy is multifaceted. His music continues to captivate audiences worldwide, celebrated for its raw emotion and honesty. While his interactions with fellow celebrities have been tumultuous, they reflect his unapologetic and genuine nature, making him a true icon of rock ‘n’ roll.