Sir Elton John not in great shape – and he’s not afraid to say it.
The iconic singer opened up about the emotional rollercoaster he experienced while making his upcoming album Who Believes In Angels with Brandi Carlile, Andrew Watt, and longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. What was meant to be a thrilling new chapter quickly turned into one of his most difficult creative journeys.
At a recent panel with moderator Dave Karger, Elton revealed that going into the studio with no songs and no plan was more than just a creative challenge – it became a mental and emotional test. He said he was exhausted and full of self-doubt, something he hadn’t dealt with to this degree before. “I was not in great shape,” he admitted. “I was tired. I had so much doubt about my ability to come through. That led to a lot of aggression and bad behavior.”
The process was raw and tense. At one point during recording, Elton even told Brandi Carlile to “f*** off.” Brandi didn’t take it personally – instead, she admired Elton’s unfiltered honesty. “His heart is right on his sleeve. No filter,” she said. “And that’s what makes the music so powerful. It comes straight from his brain, through his hands, with nothing stopping it. That’s why there’s an Elton John.”
According to PEOPLE, Elton said that although the experience was tough, it actually helped fuel the album’s energy. He talked about writing a song inspired by his idol Laura Nyro – and how it felt like she was right there with him as the song came together. “It just fell into place,” he said. “Then we did Little Richard’s Bible and Swing for the Fences, and things started to click. My bad behavior and angst brought the energy that we needed.”
What Elton wanted most was to make something different. Not just another album – but a truly personal one. The emotional pressure got to him, especially as he tried to push beyond the style of records he’s known for. When he finally recorded the track When This Old World Is Done with Me, he broke down in tears. “It was all the pent-up emotion and pressure,” he said. “But in the end, it worked out beautifully, thanks to Brandi, Andrew, and Bernie standing by me.”
The new short film Who Believes In Angels? Stories from the Edge Of Creation documents every moment – from the intense fights to the breakthrough creative wins. It’s a raw look at the process, not just the polished final product. It shows Elton struggling, opening up, and eventually triumphing in a way only he can.
Brandi played a key role in holding the sessions together. While she’s now a powerhouse in her own right, she clearly respected Elton’s legacy while also bringing her own strength to the table. “It was wild,” she said. “But unforgettable. That kind of honesty – that kind of energy – you don’t get in every studio session. It was special.”
This album marks a fresh chapter for Elton John. After decades of dominating the stage and the charts, he’s not slowing down – but he is peeling back the layers more than ever. Who Believes In Angels is shaping up to be one of his most vulnerable and experimental projects yet. And honestly, fans are here for it.
What do you think of Sir Elton John’s new vulnerable side? Are you hyped to hear Who Believes In Angels? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know which track you’re most excited about.
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