The wit and wisdom of Sir Elton.

"Rude vile pigs! Do you know what that means? Rude vile pigs--that's what all of you are."

--To the Taiwanese paparazzi who ambushed him as he arrived in Taipei, September 23

"Anyone who lip-synchs in public onstage when you pay 75 [pounds sterling] to see them should be shot."

--On Madonna's nomination in the Best Live Act category, as he accepted a songwriting trophy at the U.K.'s Q Awards, October 4

"Rupert [Everett] obviously needs publicity. He said I should stop being so cranky. Well, I'm not cranky."

--As quoted in the October 29 issue of Entertainment Weekly

"I've never lived in a time that's been so vexing. I just wanna scream. It's a nightmare. Bush and this administration are the worst thing that has ever happened to America."

--As quoted in the November 17 issue of the U.K. magazine Time Out London

"I absolutely hated it. It's the worst lyric on a record I've ever heard. I had to take it off in case I committed suicide. It's just horrible. No, no, no."

--On Brian McFadden's song "Irish Son," in the November 17 issue of Time Out London

"I'm 57. I'm tired of pussyfooting around things."

--From The Ellen DeGeneres Show, November 8