The 'Candle in the Wind' singer believes that drug addiction had sent the King of Pop to an early grave, saying it was 'awkward' and 'tragic' to be around him.
- October 21, 2019
AceShowbiz - Elton John believes drug addiction made Michael Jackson's later years hell.
In his new memoir "Me: Elton John", the "I'm Still Standing" singer opens up about his relationship with the late King of Pop, who he had known "since he was 13 (or) 14 years old," admitting he became concerned for him in adulthood due to his bizarre behaviour.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight at a special orchestral screening of the musical biopic "Rocketman" with the Hollywood Symphony Orchestra at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, October 17, Elton claimed the star became a "walking drug addict" in his later years before his death, aged just 50, from an overdose of sedatives in 2009.
"What happened to him was such a tragedy, with the drugs and I don't think he had a particularly happy life leading up to his big success," the "Tiny Dancer" star, 72, said. "I think success is hard to deal with and I think Michael found it hard and became isolated."
"It was awkward to be around him. It was tragic to be around him," he continues. "This was someone who was one of the most talented people to come on Earth, and it was so sad to see him destroyed by the drugs... He was a walking drug addict and was on everything possible."
Elton, who has his own well-documented history with drug addiction, added it's "upsetting when you see someone that you care about (suffering) and you can't do anything about it."
The rocker's memoir, "Me", is out now.
