Elton John Admits to Studio Meltdown While Recording New Album ‘Who Believes in Angels?’
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Sir Elton John’s return to the recording studio was anything but smooth, as the legendary singer-songwriter reportedly threw multiple tantrums while working on his latest album, Who Believes in Angels?, set for release on April 4.
The 77-year-old Rocket Man icon, known for his fiery temper, announced his new project on Wednesday, February 5, sharing behind-the-scenes footage from the recording process. The album, recorded in just 20 days in October 2023, features collaborations with country singer Brandi Carlile, producer Andrew Watt, and longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin.
At the time of recording, John was riding high on the success of his Dodger Stadium and Glastonbury performances, but his perfectionist tendencies made the studio environment tense. In the documentary-style footage shared on John’s Instagram, he is seen slamming his headphones and ripping up sheet music in frustration.
The voiceover accompanying the footage includes John admitting that he was “a nightmare” to work with. One of the most heated moments occurred when producer Andrew Watt asked John if he was ready to record. “Why do you think I am sitting here?” John snapped.
Frustrated by John’s impatience, Watt shot back, “I am just trying to make the song as best as it can be. You are so impatient!” Even Brandi Carlile, one of John’s key collaborators on the album, struggled with the singer’s unpredictable moods. “I am having a hard time connecting to Elton,” Carlile admitted in the footage.
She added, “Elton is prone to bouts of insecurity, especially where the stakes are high. There were times when I thought, ‘Why does he want to do this?’” Later in the video, John acknowledged his difficult behavior, saying, “The reality is… I was exhausted, I had a lot of doubts, and I was a nightmare. I was angry, I was tired, I was irritable… I felt I didn’t want to do it.”
However, he ultimately pushed through, realizing he owed it to his collaborators. “I felt there were other people involved, I can’t abandon it… finally, it all started to flow. I wanted to play better, sing better, write better, and challenge myself at the age I am,” John stated.
John’s Instagram post reflected on the difficulties of making the album but also his pride in the final product. “This record was one of the toughest I’ve ever made, but it was also one of the greatest musical experiences of my life,” he wrote. Reactions from fans on Facebook were mixed, though many found his behavior unsurprising.
“Elton throws tantrums. It’s what he does. He’s also raised like a billion dollars for AIDS research and given us some of the greatest music of our lifetime. Fair exchange,” one person commented. “Elton’s been throwing tantrums his whole career, this is nothing new,” added another.
“He’s always good for an occasional hissy fit,” quipped a third. Others were more sympathetic. “Please give the man a break!” one user exclaimed. “Let him live out his legacy. He’s a good man,” another noted.
Despite the drama, Who Believes in Angels? marks a new chapter in Elton John’s legendary career, proving that even after decades in the industry, he is still pushing creative boundaries—tantrums and all.
