Elton John criticises cruel Keith

Sir Elton John has criticised Keith Richards for publicly claiming his bandmate Sir Mick Jagger has a small penis.

The 'Rocket Man' singer insists his working relationship with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin would be destroyed if he had made the same jibe as the Rolling Stones guitarist.

Keith claimed Mick's ex-girlfriend Marianne Faithfull had "no fun with his tiny todger" in his autobiography 'Life' and further ridiculed the 'Satisfaction' singer in a subsequent interview.

Speaking about the book, Elton, 63, told Rolling Stone magazine: "I was a bit put off by hearing about Mick's penis. I'm a big Mick Jagger fan.

"If I said that Bernie Taupin was a miserable **** and had a small penis, he'd probably never talk to me again. It's like, 'Why do that?' especially with someone you're in a working relationship with."

Mick is now reportedly so angry with his bandmate and long-time friend the rift is affecting plans for a Rolling Stones tour.

The 67-year-old singer's ego took a further knock when Marianne - who dated him from 1966 to 1970 - didn't do much to dispel the rumours, saying Keith's comments are "nearly" true.