Why Did George Michael and Elton John Fall Out?
George Michael and Elton John, prominent figures in the music industry, had a public falling out in the mid-2000s. The reasons behind their disagreement are intricate, with the main contributing factors being Michael’s drug addiction, differences of opinion regarding Michael’s album Patience, and clashing personalities.
Drug Addiction: A Major Cause of Discord
One of the primary reasons behind the falling out of the two music stars was George Michael’s addiction to drugs. Elton John, who had been sober for many years, continuously showed concern for Michael’s deteriorating health and tried to intervene. However, Michael refused help, leading to heightened tension between the two friends.
Patience Album: Differing Opinions
In 2004, George Michael released his album Patience. Elton John, unimpressed, publicly criticized the album, further straining their relationship. John expressed that it was a step down from Michael’s earlier work, and his critiques were met with anger from George Michael.
Personality Clashes: Breaking the Friendship
In addition to disagreements over drug use and work quality, the pair’s contrasting personalities led to continual conflicts between them. The differences in how they both approached and dealt with situations became increasingly prominent, ultimately causing their friendship to deteriorate.
A Broken Friendship: A Timeline of Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2004 | George Michael releases his album Patience. Elton John is critical of the album. |
| 2005 | George Michael writes an open letter to Elton John, angrily telling him to “f**k off”. |
| 2006 | Elton John, in response to Michael’s open letter, reveals he is “very upset” by their falling out. |
| 2011 | Both artists appear together at a benefit concert, signifying a potential reconciliation. |
| 2016 | George Michael passes away. Elton John pays tribute to his “dear friend”. |
Mending and Mourning: The Aftermath
Although George Michael and Elton John experienced a falling out, they were seen together at a benefit concert in 2011, indicating a possible reconciliation. Tragically, Michael passed away in 2016, and John mourned the loss of his dear friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did their friendship deteriorate over time, given their past collaborations?
The friendship between George Michael and Elton John fell apart because of complex issues such as Michael’s drug addiction, creative differences regarding the album Patience, and their contradicting personalities.
How did Elton John react to George Michael’s passing?
Elton John paid tribute to George Michael following his death, referring to him as a “dear friend.” Although they experienced a falling out for several years, their friendship was still significant to both artists.
Did they ever reconcile before George Michael’s death?
In 2011, the pair appeared together at a benefit concert, which led many to believe that they had reconciled their differences before George Michael’s passing.
What was the reaction of the public and the music industry to their falling out?
The falling out between George Michael and Elton John was seen as a sad event due to their long-lasting friendship and successful collaborations. It ultimately served as a reminder that they both were complex individuals with personal challenges.
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