Joel: 'I do not hate Elton John'

By WENN.COM

Last Updated: February 10, 2011 11:03pm

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Billy Joel, right, says he doesn't hate Elton John for recent remarks he made about the Piano Man's sobriety issues. (WENN.COM photos)

Billy Joel has assured pal Elton John he doesn't want to punch him in the face for recent remarks he made about the Piano Man's sobriety issues - but he does want the Brit to get in touch.

Elton recently went public with his frustrations over his on/off touring pal's alleged heavy drinking problems during a revealing Rolling Stone magazine interview, in which he suggested concerts have been cancelled because of Joel's issues.

Joel brushed the attack off as "Elton just being Elton", but the Rocket Man hitmaker appeared on TV on Thursday morning and revealed the New Yorker is far from happy with him.

He told news show Today, "He sent me a message and he's not happy. He may want to punch my face. I understand that. I'm sorry I had to say it, but I'm saying it because I really want Billy to live a long life and be very happy. That's all it came from.

"I understand why he's mad at me. I'm only trying to help. Maybe I should have done it privately, but I've been so frustrated over the years."

His latest outburst has prompted another response from Joel, who tells Rolling Stone, "1. I do not hate Elton John; 2. I do not want to punch him in the face; 3. If he wants to call me, my number is still the same."

And to prove there's no hard feelings, Joel ends his note with the line, "Good luck with the movie," referring to Elton's new animated film Gnomeo & Juliet, which features his music.

"Maybe I should have done it privately . . . . . "

Yes, Sir Elton should've.

TD3 said:

"Maybe I should have done it privately . . . . . "

Yes, Sir Elton should've.

This was why I was initially mad at him for airing out George Michael's dirty laundry.