Elton slams 'cereal packet' bands

Sir Elton John has attacked the music industry for creating "average and mediocre" manufactured bands.

Sir Elton, 52, criticised music videos and likened pop bands such as S Club 7 to "packets of cereal".

Sir Elton was nominated for two Brit awards but failed to win either at last night's ceremony, but S Club 7 picked up the award for Best Single.

Sir Elton said: "Nowadays record companies want the quick buck from the Backstreet Boys, N'Sync, Britney Spears, S Club 7 and Steps. They've always been around. I'm not knocking the music, but it's like packets of cereal.

"There are too many of them, too many of them are average and mediocre and I think it damages real people's chances, real talent, of getting airplay. Where will these people be in two or three years? On the scrap heap because someone newer and younger has come along."