Elton tells new artists: Forget The X Factor...play the pubs

SIR Elton John has insisted the “worst thing” wannabe stars can do is go on TV talent shows like The X Factor.

- Lauren Del Fabbro

The superstar, 77, urged emerging musicians to “go play in a pub” instead — even if it’s empty.

In an interview to mark the release of his latest album he told them: “Just keep trying to play live. That’s the way you improve as a musician and song- writer. It doesn’t matter if you're playing to 40 people. The more experience you get playing to nobody, the better.