ELTON JOHN - JOHN CAN RELATE TO BILLY ELLIOT

SIR ELTON JOHN launched the new BILLY ELLIOT musical in London today (22JUN04) and is convinced the story mirrors his own struggle to make it in the music industry.

The YOUR SONG star - who has written the music for the West End stage version of the hit British film - draws parallels between his own story and that seen of aspiring ballet dancer Elliot.

John explains, "When I first saw the film I was so moved by the story because I could relate to it from a personal point of views.

"I was sobbing in my seat at the end and had to be carted out."

While young Elliot makes it into the ROYAL BALLET SCHOOL - John won a scholarship at the age of 11 to the ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC.

John says, "My relationship with my father was similar to the one Billy has with his father. I was always trying to prove something to him.

"When Billy's father comes to see his son in SWAN LAKE at the end of the film, that hit a nerve with me.

"I also had a difficult relationship with my father when I was growing up, but sorted it out in the end. Billy's story reminded me of my own life."