Tantrums and Tiaras in Taiwan

Grumpy pop legend Elton John has treated Taiwan's press to a verbal tirade.

13:47 24 September 2004

Legendary pop star Elton John lost his rag with journalists in Taiwan last night.

The aging rocker is in Taipei to play a concert as part of his Far East tour.

Dressed in a blue tracksuit and shades, Elton let lose with a tirade of four letter words before branding the photographers "pigs".

"Rude, vile pigs," he shouted. "That's what you all are."

A spokesman for the pop diva said he was annoyed that the police failed to protect him from the press when he arrived at the airport on his private jet.

Elton's tantrums are almost as famous for his music.

In 1995 the singer released "Tantrums and Tiaras", a documentary showing him throwing a wobbly or two during his world tour.

To his credit, he did insist that the scenes were included so that his fans could see the man behind the music, warts and all.