Elton John wants Billy Joel to make like Charlie Sheen. Sort of.
In the latest issue of Rolling Stone, John talks at length about his fellow music icon, who has battled alcohol dependency for years.
"Billy's a conundrum," Elton says. "We've had so many cancelled tours because of illnesses and various other things, alcoholism."
But hasn't Joel sought help for substance abuse issues in the past? Yes, John says, but not the right kind of help:
"He's going to hate me for this, but every time he goes to rehab they've been light. When I went to rehab, I had to clean the floors. He goes to rehab where they have TVs. I love you, Billy, and this is tough love. You have your demons and you're not going to get rid of them at rehab light. You've got to be serious. People adore you, they love you and respect you. You should be able to do something better than what you're doing now."
Joel doesn't seem too fazed by Elton's remarks. He responds:
“I’ve worked with Elton for such a long time and I’ve enjoyed our relationship too much to let something as random as these comments change my affection for him. Elton is just being Elton.”