Elton John reportedly had a backstage outburst at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, expressing frustration over delays and his waiting plane, before honoring the late Brian Wilson with a musical tribute.
On Saturday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was underway, but behind the scenes, tension was brewing as legendary musician Elton John grew increasingly frustrated with the event’s timeline. Sources reported that the 78-year-old singer, known for hits like “Tiny Dancer” and “Rocket Man,” lost his temper while waiting to perform, leading to a memorable incident that highlighted the pressures of live events. The delay sent him spiraling, and he began hurling insults at organizers, according to insiders who witnessed the scene.
John’s agitation peaked when he yelled, “What the hell is wrong with you people? Nobody knows what they’re doing!” emphasizing his urgency by exclaiming, “My plane is waiting!” This reflected concerns about potential travel disruptions, though his private jet situation was far from ordinary. The outburst occurred as he was standing by to pay tribute to Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys co-founder who passed away in June 2025, adding a layer of stress to an already emotional evening.
Despite the meltdown, John was there to honor Wilson, a musical genius whom he described as his “idol” and a major influence on his songwriting and piano playing. Wilson, who died at age 82, was being inducted posthumously, and John had been selected to perform a cover of the Beach Boys’ classic “God Only Knows” as a heartfelt memorial. The choice of song underscored the deep respect John held for Wilson, whom he credited with inspiring his career from their first meeting.
When John finally took the stage, he did so without his famous piano, a detail that contributed to the backstage scrambling and discussions. However, he delivered the tribute flawlessly, moving the audience with his emotional rendition and personal anecdotes about Wilson’s impact. In his remarks, John recalled that initial encounter as an evening he would never forget, highlighting how Wilson’s innovative approach to music shaped his own artistic development.
This incident evoked memories of a similar outburst from John’s past, notably during a 1999 rehearsal for VH1’s “Diva’s Live” with Tina Turner. Turner once recounted how John “exploded” when she tried to show him how to play “Proud Mary,” leading to a rage-filled exit, though he later apologized. Such historical parallels illustrate the intense emotions that can surface in high-pressure performance settings, even for seasoned artists.
Despite the backstage drama, sources confirmed that John went on stage “no problem,” and the ceremony proceeded smoothly without further issues. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame event, which inducted several artists, continued its schedule, and John’s representatives have been contacted for comment but have not yet responded. This leaves the story to circulate in media reports, adding to the lore of John’s charismatic yet sometimes volatile personality.
The episode serves as a reminder of the human side of superstars, showing that even icons like Elton John can succumb to frustration under stress. It also reinforces the enduring legacy of Brian Wilson, whose contributions to music continue to inspire generations. For fans, it adds a relatable dimension to John’s persona, while underscoring the importance of honoring artistic influences in meaningful ways.
