Elton John is to making his television debut with a new show about an ageing rock star in a new sitcom billed as an "upmarket Spinal Tap".

The comedy, created by Elton and a former Sex and the City producer, will feature a male diva in a role that has distinct echoes of his own life. But the singer insisted the character was based on a mix of fellow pop icons such as Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Freddie Mercury and David Bowie.

"It's not about me, but about everybody we've encountered over the past 30 years," he told the US trade paper Daily Variety. "We've met every star and seen every misbehaviour. And it's about the people around the star, who have to put up with them. It's an upmarket Spinal Tap."

Songwriter Bruce Roberts has created an entire back catalogue of music for the fictional star of the comedy, which was the brainchild of Sir Elton's long-time business manager, Bob Halley. Elton has already written a song for the project, "Him and Us".

"I think it will be one of the funniest things on TV in a while. I like being a team player and being within this team. All five people are extremely funny - except Bruce Roberts," he added. Sex and the City screenwriter Cindy Chupack will write the script for the show, which is being developed for the US broadcaster ABC. The executive producer is Michael Edelstein, the man behind US ratings hit Desperate Housewives.

"Elton's been very public about the craziness of his life," Mr Edelstein said. "There's nothing like the world of rock'n'roll. He's got a hairdresser, valet and two straight SWAT bodyguards on staff. They've assembled their own wacky family. Elton's witty, relevant and has always been on the cutting edge in both his personal life and musically."

Mr Halley, a long-time friend of Sir Elton, explained: "I came up with the germ of an idea three years ago while on the road. We have many laughs together, we work hard and we enjoy ourselves. Elton was up for it, so we went from there."

During the famous fly-on-the-wall documentary Tantrums and Tiaras, made by his partner David Furnish, he stormed out of his hotel on the French Riviera after a female fan dared to wave at him on the tennis court. Explaining his behaviour, Elton likened himself to the little girl in The Exorcist. "I don't seem to have anger - I have rage," he said.

Back to Headlines