Elton John Says He’s Done Releasing Pop Albums

Elton John has no plans to release any more pop music of his own. In a recent interview with GQ, Elton says he's excited to work with today's current pop acts but feels his days of being a pop star have come and gone.

"Look, I'm 63. I don't want to be on VH1 or MTV. I'm not going to compete with JLS or Lady Gaga. I'm at that stage where I don't think I can write pop music any more. I can't sit down and do a proper rock song. It was OK when I was 25 or 26, but not anymore," Elton admits in the interview.

And though Elton is among few classic rock-era songwriters that still regularly record and perform, he says he's content to just work with current artists. He recently confirmed that he and Gaga will collaborate on a new single for Disney's upcoming film Gnomeo & Juliet.

Elton has also served as a mentor to several current chart toppers, including Eminem and alt-country star Ryan Adams. He helped both come through substance abuse programs and also provided feedback to the Scissor Sisters on their new album.

"I like to do my little side projects like Scissor Sisters and have fun, but I don't think Elton John will be putting any pop singles out," he concludes.

Elton's new album The Union, a collaboration with legendary rock pianist Leon Russell, debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart.