They became romantically involved and remained together for five years; however, their professional relationship continued. John Reid and Elton John met at the Motown recording studios in 1970, where they became romantically involved and remained together for five years; however, their professional relationship continued until 1998. John said he was comfortable discussing their relationship at the time, but Reid was not. Years later, Reid told the press that Elton was his "first great love, and I was his ." John has revealed that he was a virgin and "desperate to be loved" before living with Reid.

In 2000, Reid paid John a £3.4 million settlement after being sued by the singer for allegedly stealing $25.2 million. He was a judge on the Australian version of "The X Factor" from 2005 to 2006 and has since lived a quiet life…