Music legend Billy Joel has reflected on his controversial collaboration with Elton John’s band, describing it as a “terrible idea” in the new 2025 documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes.
Speaking candidly, Joel criticized the decision to work with the band of a fellow iconic piano player, saying, “Why would I want to work with the other well-known piano player’s band?” He added that the collaboration lacked originality and only intensified unwanted comparisons to Elton John, which he had long struggled to avoid.
Joel explained that while Elton’s piano style is “very rhythmic,” his own sound is distinct. “It took a while for people to get away from using the Elton John comparison. I think it’s pretty much died down at this point — I hope so!” he said.
Although he acknowledged that Elton’s band consisted of talented musicians, Joel ultimately walked away from the partnership. “They were good musicians, but they didn’t get it. It sounded like Elton and I said, ‘I don’t want to sound like Elton, I want to sound like me.’ I left. I said this isn’t gonna work.”
The remarks shed new light on the tension behind the scenes of one of pop music’s most iconic piano pairings and highlight Joel’s desire to maintain a unique musical identity
