Rod Stewart: Elton John's tour 'stinks of selling tickets'

Rod Stewart has criticised Elton John's planned Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour for being "dishonest" and "not rock'n'roll".

They are two of the biggest pop stars of the 1970s, but they are not on the same page on when and how to throw in the towel.

Sir Rod said Sir Elton's three-year farewell tour "stinks of selling tickets", and is a "dishonest" way to go.

In an interview on a US talk show, the Maggie May singer said he tried to contact the Rocket Man star to get more details on the tour.

"I did email her [Elton] and said 'what, again dear?' - I didn't hear anything back," he told the show's hosts and guest Cyndi Lauper.

Lauper said she did not think the tour was such "a bad idea", to which Sir Rod replied: "It's dishonest. It's not rock and roll.

"If I retire, I won't make an announcement. I'll just fade away," he added.

"I don't think this is a big deal, it stinks of selling tickets."

Sir Rod was also quizzed about Sir Elton's latest stage rant, in which he stormed off after a fan started touching his piano.

He replied: "I don't mind it. I love people coming up on stage. It's a laugh.

"But I can see why he was p***** off with it.

"I've had people come on stage and nearly had me teeth knocked out!"

Sir Elton's Farewell Yellow Brick Road kicks off in 8 September and includes 10 dates in the UK.