Elton John blasts 'idiot' record company chiefs

Sir Elton John is "sickened" by "idiot" record company chiefs.

The outspoken 'Rocket Man' singer launched an attack over the treatment of artists who fail to live up to the success expected of them by corporate backers, insisting executives should care for their acts more.

He said: "I think most heads of record companies are idiots. About five per cent are any good. They're only in it for themselves.

"They don't care about artists. They're all about the next fix, the next single. It's like they're having a hit of cocaine every 15 seconds.

"And if someone falls by the wayside, they're by the wayside. They're not allowed one blip.

"In America, most of them are idiots. They're sickening actually. They sicken me. They're thick as s**t."

The 63-year-old singer also admitted he no longer likes being famous but understands he has to be available to promote his work, something which he takes tight control of.

He added in an interview with Shortlist magazine: "Do I enjoy success now? Fame is completely different. It's not as innocent.

"I don't want to be famous any more, I just want to make my music and have a nice life. But you have to play the game and promote your records, your movies, your musicals. But if I was young, I'd hate it."