The most ridiculous rivalry in pop: As Rod Stewart taunts Elton over sales of their latest albums, here is our wickedly entertaining guide to music's feuding friends

The most ridiculous rivalry in pop: As Rod Stewart taunts Elton over sales of their latest albums, here is our wickedly entertaining guide to music's feuding friends

For five long decades, they've been playing a good-humoured game of one-upmanship. Last week, Rod Stewart (right), 71, revealed that his latest battle with his old mucker Elton John (left and inset, with Rod), who turned 69 last week, is over whose new album is shifting the most copies. The affection they have for each other is clear, even dubbing themselves Phyllis and Sharon. But despite the years of friendship, their rivalry is all too real and is only heightened by their very different temperaments. Elton is famous for his tantrums and profligate spending, while Rod might be affable but he's notoriously stingy. So who comes out on top in the battle between Rod and Elton? ALISON BOSHOFF reveals all...