ELTON JOHN - ELTON DEFENDS DOHERTY'S LIVE 8 PERFORMANCE

Rock legend SIR ELTON JOHN blames his critically panned duet with PETE DOHERTY at last month's (02JUL05) London Live 8 gig on the troubled singer's nerves.

The ROCKET MAN's duet of T-REX's CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION with Doherty was a resounding flop, but although he admits the young rocker was "a mess", he insists he was brilliant in rehearsals.

He says, "I think Pete's immensely talented. He came to Watford and we rehearsed it and it was absolutely tip-top, perfect.

"I have to be very discreet about what I say, but I just think he was really nervous on the day."