Watch CBS News

Billy Joel Shrugs Off Elton John Comments on Rehab

Sir Elton John, left, and Billy Joel perform onstage.
Musicians Sir Elton John, left, and Billy Joel perform onstage at the Honda Center on March 30, 2009, in Anaheim, Calif. Getty

NEW YORK (CBS/AP) Billy Joel says he has such affection for his old touring partner Elton John that he's going to ignore the British rocker's comments that Joel needs rehab.

PICTURES: Billy Joel
PICTURES: Elton John
PICTURES: Stars in Rehab

In an interview for the Feb. 17 edition of Rolling Stone, John says Joel needs to do "something better with his life"' and get serious about rehab. He also said that the pair had to cancel many tour dates because of Joel's illnesses and "alcoholism."

In a statement released Wednesday, Joel says, "Elton is just being Elton."

While John predicted Joel would "hate" him for his comments, the 61-year-old Grammy winning piano man says he's enjoyed his relationship with John so much he's not going to let the comments change his affection for him.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue