Elton John Gives Billy Joel Some Tough Love About His Drinking on 'Today' (VIDEO)

Elton John spoke of his relationship with friend and fellow songwriter Billy Joel this morning on 'Today' (weekdays, 7AM on NBC). John currently graces the cover of Rolling Stone, and Matt Lauer pressed him on some of the revelations in the piece, including his criticism of Joel's drinking and some of the canceled tour dates that resulted from it.

"He hates me at the moment," John said, "and I understand why." John said the two had not spoken privately since the piece came out, but that Joel had sent a message and he was not happy.

John said, "I really love the guy" and called Joel "an American treasure" for his songwriting and that his criticism comes from place of love. "I'm sorry I had to say it," said John, "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."

John went on to talk about his own experience. "Years ago when I was using, people tried to tell me," he said. "I didn't talk to them for years. How dare you talk to me like that?"

John said Joel "may want to punch his face in at the moment, but it's OK."

Watch the full interview here: