No more records, vows Sir Elton

Sir Elton: Likes playing, "hates" the recording industry

Pop singer Sir Elton John has said it is time to let the sun go down on his recording career.

He told a US audience at the weekend his latest album, Songs From The West Coast, would be his last, his London-based spokesman confirmed.

Speaking in New Hampshire's Verizon Wireless Arena, Sir Elton said: "I'm fed up with it. I like playing to you guys but I hate the record industry.

"I've made 40 albums, and it is about time for me to get out," the 54-year-old singer said.

Sir Elton starred at the Royal Variety Performance

Sir Elton's spokesman confirmed that the star had indeed said he would not make another record - but said he was not sure how serious the comment had been.

"Whether it was just something he said on the spur of the moment, or whether he meant it, we don't know yet."

Sir Elton's remarks came in the wake of the death of former Beatle George Harrison on Thursday.

Sir Elton ended his New Hampshire concert by dedicating his poignant ballad Your Song to the former Beatle.

Mind-blowing

He said Harrison had taken the time to send him a congratulatory note when he was just starting to make a name for himself.

"I've never forgotten that gesture. It was such a mind-blowing event."

Last week, Sir Elton and pop superstar Jennifer Lopez jointly topped the bill at the Royal Variety Performance at London's Dominion Theatre.

The Royal Variety show was his first for 30 years.

He told the audience that it was an "honour and pleasure" to be on the bill.