10-09-2004 – The Mirror – Elton Was Right About Madonna

ELTON WAS RIGHT ABOUT MADONNA.. THERE’S TOO MUCH BLOODY DANCING IN ROCK ‘N ROLL ANDNOT ENOUGH SINGING, SAYS QUEEN LEGEND ROGER

QUEEN drummer Roger Taylor has backed Elton John’s “miming” attack on Madonna by claiming it was the world’s worst-kept secret.

Taylor, 55, spoke after “brave” Sir Elton’s foul-mouthed tirade against the star at an awards ceremony.

He accused her of cheating fans by lip synching on stage.

And legendary drummer Taylor added to the criticism yesterday after arriving in Sydney with Brian May for the opening of their stage musical, We Will Rock You.

He said: “It is about time somebody said it.

“It was a very brave and correct thing to say. Maybe she should get an award for dancing but certainly not for singing.

“It is the worst-kept secret in the world and I think there is too much bloody dancing in rock ‘n’ roll and not enough actual singing.”

But fellow Queen band member May, 57, said Elton should keep his opinions to himself. He added: “I think it was being very unnecessarily bitchy.

“If you don’t have something positive to say, you should shut up.”

Elton, 57, turned heckler at the Q Music awards in London this week when he heard Madonna’s name among nominations for the best live act. Taking the podium to accept a songwriting award, he stormed: “Madonna, best f***ing live act? F*** off! Since when has lip synching been live? Anyone who lip syncs in public on stage when you pay £75 to see them should be shot.

“That’s me off her f***ing Christmas card list but do I give a toss? No.”

Ben Elton, who co-wrote the Queen musical, also had a dig at Madonna as he too arrived in Australia.

The comedian and author said: “The main thing is We Will Rock You is all live, so whatever Madonna may be up to, this is a live show.”

After a three-year run in London, the show is set to open in Russia and Cologne, Germany, later this month.

Other stars who have accused Madonna of lip synching at concerts include award-winning Jamelia and soul diva Mary J Blige.

But a spokeman for the star said: “Madonna doesn’t lip sync, nor does she spend her time trashing other artists. She sang every note on her Re-invention tour live. Elton remains on her Christmas card list.”