Elton John's web rant

Aug 1, 2007, 13:00 GMT

British pop star Elton John performs during the concert in the Southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, 12 July 2007. EPA/ALEXANDER BLOTNITSKY

Sir Elton John wants the internet shut down because it is destroying music.

The 'Candle in the Wind' singer believes cyberspace is stifling creativity and lowering the standards of popular music.

He told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "The internet has stopped people from going out and being with each other from creating stuff.

"Instead people sit at home and make their own records, which doesn't bode well for long-term artistic vision.

"Hopefully the next movement in music will tear down the internet. It would be great to see the internet shut down for five years and see what sort of art is produced over that span. I'm sure, as far as music goes, it would be much more interesting than it is today."

Despite describing himself as a "technophobe", Elton has previously used the internet to his own advantage.

His 60th birthday concert at New York's Madison Square Garden in March this year was streamed live over the web.

Elton has also made his entire back catalogue available for digital download.

However, he remains convinced the internet is responsible for slipping standards in the music world.

He said: "In the early 70s there were at least ten albums released every week that were fantastic. Now you're lucky to find ten albums a year of that quality."

(C) BANG Media International