Elton slams pop musicals

Music

09:30 14 April 2005

Elton John has launched a scathing attack on West End musicals based on the music of pop groups.

The flamboyant star, who wrote the music used in the stage version of the 'Lion King', says he hates shows like 'Tonight's The Night' and 'Mama Mia', based on the music of Abba and Rod Stewart respectively, and insists they are the lowest form of entertainment.

He said: "I'm afraid they are not my idea of art."

Meanwhile, Elton has finished writing the music for a stage version of the film 'Billy Elliot'.

The 58-year-old singer, who has also created a stage show based on the 'Interview With a Vampire' novels of Anne Rice, says he was inspired to bring the ballet movie to the West End after being reduced to tears after watching the film.

He said: "At the end of the film my partner, David, had to help me out of my seat - I was sobbing.

"The end of the film is about the father going to see his son dance and being reconciled to the fact that his son's going to be a star, and it's very joyous."

"I didn't really have that with my father at the start of my career, and it was just a very personal thing that touched a nerve with me."

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