Elton John. A name synonymous with timeless music, legendary performances, and a career that has shaped generations. But even legends have bad days, and when you put Sir Elton in a high-pressure recording studio, recovering from injuries, and battling nerves, things can get… explosive.
This is the wild story of how Elton John had a full-blown meltdown in the studio while recording his upcoming album Who Believes in Angels? with Brandi Carlile.
Elton John is no stranger to pushing himself musically, but his latest project—a collaborative album with Brandi Carlile, set to release in April 2025—was far from an easy ride.
Titled Who Believes in Angels?, the album was written and recorded in just 20 days at the legendary Sunset Sound Studio in Los Angeles.
Now, 20 days might not sound like much, but for an artist who perfects every note, it’s an intense process.
And the pressure? Well, it wasn’t just creative…
Elton wasn’t at his best physically. He had recently hit his head. He was still recovering from a hip replacement and doctors told him he needed a new knee.
With all that going on, the Rocket Man was ready to explode.
At first, it seemed like normal studio jitters. But then… the outbursts started. He smashed his iPad. He threw his headphones and ripped up lyrics and tossed them on the floor.
Brandi Carlile told the publication later, when she was alone, that Elton John’s characterisation of what happened was an understatement. She said:
“He smashed his iPad. He smashed headphones. There were really amazing, classic Elton John outbursts. My lyrics got torn up and thrown on the ground – he goes: ‘Fuck off, Brandi.’ He would yell: ‘Predictable! Cliche!’”
Despite the chaos, outbursts, and iPad destruction, Who Believes in Angels? is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Elton John releases in years.
Brandi Carlile stood her ground, Elton pushed through his doubts, and together, they created something special.
