Sir Elton John has revealed the real reason for his furious studio meltdown as he embarked on his latest record with collaborator and friend Brandi Carlile.
The legendary musician, 77, admitted that despite a career spanning over 50 years, he had more doubt going into the recording studio this time around than ever before.
In breathtakingly awkward scenes from his documentary, the pop legend is seen slamming his headphones down and tearing up a piece of sheet music as he tells aghast onlookers: ‘I’m going home’ as he brands the session a ‘f***ing nightmare.’
And speaking to Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2 on Friday, the star admitted he began the writing process in a ‘very dark place of doubt’ and wasn’t feeling his best.
Chatting with Brandi he explained: ‘I was in a very very dark place of doubt, I was tired, I wasn’t feeling well and after I got through that weak period of feeling like that, it just flew and it was just amazing.’
Elton confessed: ‘I had more doubt on this record than I had ever had in my life.
Sir Elton John has revealed the real reason for THAT furious studio meltdown as he confirmed he ‘dreads’ playing live and will never return to the stage
The legendary musician, 77, admitted that despite a career spanning over 50 years, he had more doubt going into the recording studio this time around than ever (pictured at Glastonbury in 2023)
‘I just wanted it to be special. And you can’t guarantee when you walk into a studio that you’re gonna come out with something special.
‘But if I’d have been on my own without Brandi and Berni and Andrew, this record would never have got made.
‘It was the combination of all the energy in the room, all the aggravation, all the anxiety, pushed us to make electric music.’
The studio album called Who Believes In Angels? Is a collaborative effort with Brandi and Sir Elton’s longtime writing partner Bernie Taupin and is set for release on April 4.
The album came after Elton’s highly-acclaimed Farewell Tour which saw the star headline Glastonbury in 2023.
Yet despite his love for his final run of shows Elton confirmed it is officially the end as he confessed he ‘dreads’ having to play live.
He explained: ‘I don’t miss playing live at all. I do not miss it one iota. I have done some private shows, but I don’t miss it, I dread it.
‘I have to keep playing music and I will keep making records but it is the end of the live music.’
Elton and Brandi sat down with BBC Radio 2 host Scott Mills as he visited the star’s house for the interview
In breathtakingly awkward scenes from his documentary, the pop legend is seen slamming his headphones down and tearing up a piece of sheet music in fury
Confirming the end of playing live he explained: ‘I don’t miss playing live at all. I do not miss it one iota. I have done some private shows, but I don’t miss it, I dread it’
The studio album called Who Believes In Angels? Is a collaborative effort with Brandi and Sir Elton’s longtime writing partner Bernie Taupin and is set for release on April 4
Speaking to the Guardian Elton also opened up about his difficult mood as he admitted: ‘I was very grumpy, I was tired, I didn’t feel well and I as extremely nervous. And that nervousness caused quite a few sparks to fly.’
Brandi confirmed that during the writing process he smashed his iPad, his headphones and tore lyrics up and flung them to the ground.
The US folk singer added: ‘He foes “F*** off Brandi, predictable clich锑 as Elton explained ‘It wasn’t me being anxious about other people, it was me being anxious about me.’
Cameras had been installed at the iconic Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles while Sir Elton recorded his new album with Carlile and producer Andrew Watt.
But their presence meant the tetchy pop star was caught clashing with studio employees, including Watt, while laying down melodies and vocals.
After the seasoned producer asked him if he was ready to record, a frazzled Sir Elton snaps: ‘Why do you think I am sitting here?’
Watt is later filmed raising his own voice while attempting to reason with the pop legend, telling him: ‘I am just trying to make the song as best as it can be… you are so impatient!’
Even collaborator Carlile doesn’t escape Sir Elton’s wrath, with the American singer later admitting she struggled to form a bond with him during their time together.
She says: ‘Elton is prone to bouts of insecurity especially where the stakes are high. I am having a hard time connecting to Elton.
‘There were times when I thought why does he want to do this.’
The Scott Mills Breakfast Show is on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
