Elton John has always been candid about his notorious short temper, and in a new cover story for TIME magazine, the legendary musician reveals just how much his husband, David Furnish, plays a key role in managing his fiery outbursts.
In the December 11 interview, where John is honored as TIME‘s Icon of the Year, the 77-year-old star opens up about his infamous mood swings, admitting, “David can tell you that my fuse is very short, and the worst part is that David is so calm and rational. He’ll try to talk me down, and I’ll just get even angrier.”
Despite his volatility, Elton credits his husband of over a decade with helping him keep his temper in check. “I don’t like losing my temper, but it happens sometimes, especially when I’m exhausted, overwhelmed, or just plain tired,” the “Your Song” singer confesses. “Luckily, I’m usually over it within a few minutes, but it can definitely flare up.”
While Elton may not always be able to manage his emotions in the heat of the moment, he acknowledges that his impatience often comes in handy creatively. “When I’m songwriting, I don’t have time to waste. If I can’t get a song out in an hour, I move on,” says the performer of hits like “I’m Still Standing.” “People may think I don’t work hard enough, but it just comes naturally.”
In a 2021 interview with The Guardian, Elton admitted that, despite his efforts, he still struggles with his temper, confessing he can “explode at any moment.” He credits his husband for helping him work through his anger, noting, “I’ve been working on it for years, and having a supportive partner like David has been key.”
John traces some of his anger to childhood trauma, particularly his difficult relationship with his parents. Therapy has helped him understand how those experiences shaped his emotions, and he’s determined not to pass them on to his children. “I was always afraid of my parents, and I don’t want my sons to be afraid of me,” John shares. “I want them to feel loved and safe all the time.”
The star also reflects on becoming a father later in life, admitting that while he initially thought it was too late, having sons Elijah, 11, and Zachary, 13, has brought a new sense of purpose. “They came at the right time in my life, and they’ve taught me so much,” he says, explaining how fatherhood has given him a fresh perspective on love, self-worth, and the importance of emotional health.
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