Elton John’s creative process during the recording of his upcoming album *Who Believes in Angels?* has been nothing short of turbulent,
as revealed in a newly released trailer for the accompanying short film, *Who Believes in Angels? Stories on the Edge of Creation*.
The 77-year-old music legend, known for his remarkable career spanning over five decades, is seen experiencing an emotional
and expletive-filled meltdown during the album’s production, showcasing a rare glimpse of his struggles in the studio.
The trailer, released Wednesday, provides an intimate look at the making of the album, which came together over a mere 20 days.
John worked alongside four collaborators: producer Andrew Watt, singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, and Watt.
The footage highlights a raw and vulnerable side of John as he clashes with the team during the recording process.
The tensions in the studio are palpable from the beginning of the trailer, when producer Andrew Watt asks, “Are you ready to record?” A visibly irritated John snaps back, “I’m sitting here, aren’t I?” The exasperation only escalates from there, with the icon admitting in a voiceover that he was exhausted and filled with self-doubt. “Reality is, I was exhausted. I had a lot of doubt… and I was a nightmare,” he confesses, acknowledging that his frustration was affecting the project. “Angry. I was tired. I was irritable,” he adds.
As the recording session continues, the tension between John and Watt becomes evident. At one point, Watt tries to calm John down, saying, “Dude, I’m just trying to make the song as best as it can be. You’re so impatient.” John, however, responds by slamming his headphones down on the keyboard, shouting, “F—ing nightmare!” The emotional turmoil in the studio is undeniable, and it’s clear that the creation of this album was not without its challenges.
Brandi Carlile, who has been friends with John for years and was a key collaborator on the album, shared her own doubts about the project. “Elton is prone to moments of insecurity,” she says in the video, explaining that the high stakes of the collaboration made her question the process. Carlile, who had idolized John since she was a young girl, confessed that there were moments when she struggled to connect with him creatively. “I’m having a hard time connecting to Elton,” she admits. “Why is he going from Glastonbury to making an album with me?”
For John, the pressure of the project became overwhelming at times. At one point, he’s seen tearing up sheet music and declaring, “I’m done.” Watt protests, but John’s frustration is evident as he tells the team to “cut the mics,” signaling a temporary break in the tension. Despite the difficulties, John later reflects that he felt unable to give up, knowing that “other people were involved” in the album’s creation.
As the film continues, the atmosphere in the studio starts to shift. John’s frustration gives way to creative breakthrough, and the team begins to fall into sync. “The fog started to lift,” John says. “Once we got going, Jesus! Finally it all started to flow.” Carlile also expresses how rewarding the process turned out to be, saying, “It wasn’t easy, which is a place where such great music came from.”
The video culminates in a moment of triumph as John’s hard work pays off. Watt, beaming with pride, tells John, “You know what you just did? Kicked some f—ing a–!” John smiles in response, clearly satisfied with the outcome. The emotional release is evident when John, visibly moved, is hugged by Carlile after the project finally comes together. “The album came out the way I wanted it to come out,” he says through tears.
The album, set for release on April 4, promises to be a significant milestone in John’s already legendary career. Speaking on the album’s creation, John shared his desire to push himself creatively. “I wanted to play better. Sing better. Write better and challenge myself at the age I am,” he explains. His longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, who has worked with John since 1967, also noted that *Who Believes in Angels?* is unlike anything they’ve done before. “In 50-plus years, we’ve never made a record like this,” Taupin said.
Carlile, reflecting on the significance of the project, emphasized how the album will resonate with listeners of all ages. “We made an album that I think is spectacular for all the ages,” she said. “My life has been taking me to this album the whole time.”
As the release date approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the full album, which promises to offer not only a fresh sound but also an unfiltered look into the struggles and triumphs of one of the world’s most iconic musicians.
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