According to information from “Page Six,” the singer lost his temper backstage on the evening of Saturday, November 8, as the event was delayed in starting. People backstage at the Peacock Theater revealed that Elton John was shouting and verbally attacking the organizers. “What the hell is wrong with you? Nobody knows what they are doing,” the artist reportedly said, according to a source who spoke to the outlet.

John was worried about his departure, repeatedly saying: “My plane is waiting,” shortly before going on stage to pay tribute to the late Beach Boys founder, Brian Wilson.

Despite the tension, John appeared on stage normally and, according to a “Page Six” source, “despite the little turmoil backstage, he came out without any problems.”

The artist paid tribute to Wilson, who died in June at the age of 82, performing “God Only Knows.” In his speech, he called the artist his “idol,” saying: “He was the one who influenced me more than anyone else when I was writing songs on the piano. It was a night we will never forget.”