Elton John loses temper while recording latest album in viral footage: 'I was a nightmare'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Sir Elton John threw a temper tantrum while recording his new album in collaboration with country singer Brandi Carlile, Andrew Watt, and Bernie Taupin, reported the New York Post.

The 77-year-old announced his new album 'Who Believes in Angels?' on Wednesday, February 5, with a post on Instagram. The title track has been released and the album is scheduled for release on April 4.

It is his first project in four years and was recorded in only 20 days back in October 2023. At the time, John was riding high on the success of his Dodgers Stadium and Glastonbury performances.

Elton John's recent temper tantrum gets captured on camera

In his desire to create something new at this stage of his career, the 'Rocket Man' singer allowed cameras inside the iconic Sunset Sound Studios in LA to document the creation of the album.

Clips from the captured footage were shared by John in his announcement video, which showed that the recording was anything but smooth sailing.

Infamous for his short temper, John is seen in the video slamming headphones and tearing up sheet music. In the accompanying voiceover, he confesses to being "a nightmare" in the studio.

John once got into an argument with his producer Watt when the latter asked him if he was ready to record. "Why do you think I am sitting here?” asked John dryly, which led to Watt getting frustrated and telling him at one point, "I am just trying to make the song as best as it can be. You are so impatient!”

Even Carlile had to bear the brunt of John's temper, as she admits in one clip, "I am having a hard time connecting to Elton."

“Elton is prone to bouts of insecurity especially where the stakes are high,” she adds in voice-over. “There were times when I thought, ‘Why does he want to do this?’"

Elton John's confesses to being difficult to work with

Later in the video, John confessed to being extremely difficult to work with, saying, "The reality is... I was exhausted, I had a lot of doubt, I was a nightmare. I was angry, I was tired, I was irritable... I felt I don’t want to do it."

However, he refused to give up on the project as he knew that there were others involved with it.

"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," he stated.

The Instagram video shared by John was a testament to the ordeal he had to go through to make his latest album.

"This record was one of the toughest I’ve ever made, but it was also one of the greatest musical experiences of my life. It has given me a place where I know I can move forward. ‘Who Believes In Angels?’ feels like going into another era and I’m pushing the door open to come into the future," read the caption.

"It was one of the most difficult creative processes I’ve ever been through, but I couldn’t be prouder of the outcome. I wanted to make this record with Brandi because I knew what she’s capable of, and I wanted to sing and play with her because I knew it would be special," he added.

Internet is used to Elton John throwing tantrums

Netizens reacting to the news on the social media platform Facebook found it in character for Elton John to be difficult to work with. The following comments demonstrate their takes.

"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," wrote a person.

"Elton’s been throwing tantrums his whole career, this is nothing new," shared another.

"He's always good for an occasional hissy fit," quipped a third.

"Please give the man a break!" exclaimed a fourth.

"Let him live out his legacy. He’s a good man," noted a fifth.

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