Elton John slams bands over Glee bans

The 64-year-old pop legend was appearing on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, on US television, to promote his appearance as a host on this week's episode of Saturday Night Live.

He was asked how he felt about the contestants on American Idol playing his songs earlier in the week.

Although he did not watch the show, he said it was a 'compliment'.

'It's so great when people do your songs,' he said.

'I started off as a songwriter, so even now when I get into the elevator and it's muzak and it's one of my songs I feel really happy about it, because it's a compliment.

'Doesn't matter if it's a bad version - it's just a compliment. I've never lost that thrill.'

He then referred to bands such as Kings of Leon and the Foo Fighters, who have recently said they don't want their songs played in the hit show Glee.

'There's a big debate about the Glee thing at the moment. There's a lot of bands saying 'We don't want our stuff in Glee.'

'Look, listen up you a**holes. This is a compliment and sends out a positive message. What the hell is wrong with you guys?'