Elton John
criticizes Live 8 concert

Sir Elton John told The [London] Telegraph that last month's Live 8 concert in London's Hyde Park, organized by activist and musician Bob Geldof in order to raise awareness of poverty in Africa, was "a bit of an anticlimax" and that while he was "very pleased" to have been involved with it, he "didn't think it was anywhere near as good as the first one. How could it be?"

"The thought behind it was fantastic, but Hyde Park is a charisma-free zone," he said. "There was no sense of occasion, and from a musical point, I didn't think there were too many highlights."

The out singer teamed up with bisexual Babyshambles front man Pete Doherty for a duet of "Children of the Revolution" that was slammed by critics. John said Doherty was "really nervous" and "a mess" on the day of the concert, which hurt their performance. He added, "I don't think the people around him set a good example, which is a shame."

In the interview John also admitted that his outspoken ways tend to upset people, such as George Michael and Madonna. While he has made up with George Michael, Madonna has proved less forgiving. "I did send her two Christmas cards, and they both came back," he said.