Elton reveals reason for Mercury split

Elton John has revealed the reason for splitting with record company Mercury.

Executives at the record label wanted the singer to release an album of Motown Christmas songs, to revive his sales figures after his last record Peachtree Road proved to be a flop.

He told Rolling Stone magazine: "Over my dead body will I ever do a Christmas album. Why would I do that when I work with someone who comes up with such great lyrics as Bernie Taupin?"

Elton is currently working on a hip-hop record, which will feature appearances by Eminem and Dr Dre.