In a candid revelation, music legend Elton John has acknowledged his challenging behavior while collaborating with Brandi Carlile on their upcoming album "Who Believes in Angels?" set for release on April 4.
The recording sessions, overseen by producer Andrew Watt, were marked by intense moments as John battled health issues, including a head injury and recovery from hip and knee surgery. "I was tired, I didn't feel well and I was extremely nervous," John confessed, explaining that his anxiety led to several heated exchanges.
Carlile detailed some of the dramatic incidents during their studio time, describing how John would have "classic Elton John outbursts" that included smashing an iPad and headphones. She recalled moments when her lyrics were torn up and thrown to the ground, with John shouting "Predictable! Cliche!" and "Fuck off, Brandi."
The collaboration initially aimed to mirror the musical partnership of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss but took an unexpected turn when John suggested they abandon any preconceived notions and simply be themselves. This spontaneous approach, while risky, ultimately shaped the album's direction.
Despite the tensions, Carlile maintained perspective on working with one of her musical heroes. She noted that John's behavior, while occasionally crossing boundaries, helped break down the pedestal she had placed him on. "There was so much riding on my perception of Elton, versus who Elton really is," she reflected.
The dynamic studio environment, though volatile, proved productive. Carlile described a fast-paced creative process where she would quickly adjust lyrics as John performed, leading to what she called "really volatile, but really cool" sessions.
John admitted that once they completed the first three songs, the atmosphere improved considerably. "I was much more relaxed... but I was a bit of a nightmare," he acknowledged, attributing his earlier behavior to personal anxiety rather than concerns about others.