Billy Joel opens up about DUI rumors, his friendship fallout with Elton John and his struggles with alcohol in the HBO documentary 'And So It Goes'

And So It Goes,” the singer is opening up about some tough moments with longtime friend and tourmate Elton John.

Pianist Billy Joel recently opened up about his falling out with Rocket Man singer Elton John in the second part of his documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, which premiered on July 25, 2025.

The Stranger singer was referring to Elton John's comments in a 2011 Rolling Stone interview. The Blue Moves musician talked about Joel “not writing his music anymore,” asserting that it was “either fear or laziness.” Elton felt that his fellow singer was “coasting.” He further remarked on the canceled tours and Billy needing rehab:

In his new HBO documentary, Billy Joel addresses his feud with Elton John and talks about his career; however, it quietly ignores one major aspect of the musician's life.

Billy Joel is looking back at the highs and lows of his life. In his new two-part documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes on HBO Max, the "Uptown Girl" singer recalled getting treatment for alcohol abuse at the Betty Ford Center in 2005.

John’s full quote wasn’t exactly subtle. He blamed Joel’s alcoholism for tour cancellations, accused him of “coasting,” and described Joel’s rehab stints as “light,” quipping that when he went to rehab, he had to clean the floors, while Joel had TVs.

So It Goes’ will fully prepare you to teach a college class on Joel the angry young man, Ex-Wife Guy, and unlikely superstar.