Rock legend Elton John reportedly lost his temper backstage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday, November 8, 2025, shouting at organizers over delays before his scheduled tribute performance. The 78-year-old singer’s outburst at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles shocked staff members who witnessed the incident, though he ultimately delivered an emotional performance honoring his late friend and musical idol.
According to sources who spoke with Page Six, the “Rocket Man” singer became visibly frustrated as the show ran behind schedule. Eyewitnesses reported hearing John yell at event staff, “What the hell is wrong with you people? Nobody knows what they’re doing!” The 1994 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s anger appeared to stem from concerns about his travel plans, with sources claiming he barked, “My plane is waiting!” as he stood by to take the stage.
The incident occurred as John prepared to pay musical tribute to Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys co-founder and mastermind who died in June 2025 at age 82. Despite the backstage tension, John eventually composed himself and performed the Beach Boys classic “God Only Knows” without his signature piano. According to sources, there was “some scrambling and discussions in the hallway” before John went onstage, but he ultimately performed without further problems. The performance reportedly drew a standing ovation from the audience at the Los Angeles venue.
During his onstage remarks, John spoke warmly of Wilson, calling him his “idol” and crediting the late musician as his greatest influence. John told the crowd that Wilson “was the one that influenced me more than anybody else when it came to writing songs on the piano.” The British singer-songwriter described his first meeting with Wilson as “an evening we would never forget,” showing no signs of the earlier backstage drama once he faced the audience.
The reported tantrum marks the latest in a series of temperamental incidents throughout John’s decades-long career. In 1999, John allegedly had a similar outburst during rehearsals for VH1’s “Diva’s Live ’99” involving the late Tina Turner. Turner later recounted the incident in a 2000 interview with “60 Minutes,” explaining that she made the mistake of trying to show John how to play “Proud Mary” on piano. Turner said John “just exploded” and “stormed off” into a rage after she attempted to demonstrate a piano technique. However, Turner also confirmed that John later apologized for his behavior during that incident.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony represents one of the music industry’s most prestigious annual events, honoring artists who have made significant contributions to rock and roll history. The 2025 ceremony included a memorial section featuring tributes to musicians who passed away recently. According to sources, the memorial portion also included a tribute to Sly Stone, with various artists participating in honoring the music legends.
John’s connection to Wilson dates back decades, with the British pianist frequently citing the Beach Boys’ founder as a primary influence on his songwriting and approach to piano-based composition. Wilson’s innovative production techniques and sophisticated harmonic arrangements in songs like “God Only Knows” helped revolutionize pop music in the 1960s, influencing countless musicians including John. The Beach Boys’ 1966 album “Pet Sounds,” which featured “God Only Knows,” is widely regarded as one of the most influential albums in popular music history and showcased Wilson’s genius as a composer and arranger.
Representatives for John have been contacted for comment regarding the backstage incident, though no official statement had been released as of the reports published on November 11 and November 12, 2025. The incident has sparked discussion among fans and industry observers about the pressures faced by veteran performers at high-profile events, particularly when dealing with scheduling delays and logistical challenges.
John’s performance at the ceremony came during a period when the music icon has remained active in making special appearances and tribute performances, despite having officially retired from extensive touring. His willingness to honor Wilson despite the backstage frustrations demonstrates his deep respect for the late musician’s legacy and contributions to popular music. The emotional tribute served as a poignant reminder of Wilson’s lasting impact on generations of songwriters and performers who followed in his footsteps.
The Peacock Theater in Los Angeles has hosted numerous high-profile music events and award ceremonies over the years, making it a fitting venue for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremony. Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, the evening ultimately succeeded in celebrating Wilson’s extraordinary musical legacy through John’s heartfelt performance, allowing audiences to focus on the artistry rather than the backstage tensions that preceded it.
