Sir Elton John has said he is no longer capable of writing songs that will compete with contemporary pop stars.

The veteran singer, who has enjoyed almost 70 top-40 singles, said he now preferred to do side-projects.

"Look, I'm 63, I don't want to be on VH1 or MTV," he told GQ magazine. "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."

Sir Elton added: "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."

The singer performed with Plan B at the Roundhouse in London last week as part of the BBC Radio 2 Electric Proms.

His new album 'The Union', with Leon Russell, debuted at number 12 on the UK album charts at the weekend.

(by Jason Gregory)