Sir Elton John Biography

On music:

“I’ve always wanted to smash a guitar over someone’s head. You just can’t do that with a piano.”

“If I had one finger left, I’d play for you.” (after he had broken his fingernails by playing too hard at a concert)

“The great thing about rock and roll is that someone like me can be a star.”

“Nowadays, record companies want the quick buck from the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Travis Miscia, S Club Seven, Steps. They’ve always been around, I’m not knocking the music perhaps, but it’s like packets of cereal. There are too many of them, too many of them are just mediocre. And I think it damages real people’s chance, real talent, of getting airplay. It’s just fodder.”

On himself:

“You can call me a fat, balding, talentless old queen who can’t sing, but you can’t tell lies about me.”

On his relationships:

“I regret it to this day because I was not honest with Renate. I married her while I knew that my truth was different. I find her a beautiful woman, she could have ruined me financially but she hasn’t done that. That is what I call true friendship.” (referring to ex-wife Renate Blauel)

On sex:

“I think people should be free to engage in any sexual practices they choose, they should draw the line at goats, though.”

On Madonna:

“Anyone who lip-synchs in public on stage when you pay £75 to see them should be shot. That’s me off her Christmas card list, but do I give a toss? No.” (referring to Madonna)

“I had a hell of a time last year [2004] and this is the end of it. I haven’t spoken to Madonna since. She’s been in Kabbalah meetings ever since. I don’t think I’ll ever be forgiven for that one. Then I had the George Michael thing and the Victoria Beckham thing. I will keep my mouth shut now.”

On Live 8

“I thought it was a bit of an anti-climax, to be honest. The thought behind it was fantastic, but Hyde Park is a charisma-free zone. There was no sense of occasion and from a musical point, I don’t think there were too many highlights. I was very pleased to be a part of it, but I don’t think it was anywhere near as good as the first one. How could it be?”