The British pop star Sir Elton John today lost his multi-million pound High Court action over tour costs he claimed he should not have paid.
Mr Justice Ferris ruled against him in a 138-page judgment given in London. Elton John was not present and is on tour in the United States.
The judge's decision followed a hearing which lasted 43 days over three months and ended on February 1st when he reserved judgment.
Elton John (53) had sued Mr Andrew Haydon, former managing director of John Reid Enterprises (JREL) which for many years was the star's management company, and City accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers which looked after his business interests.
The singer alleged Mr Haydon (45) was negligent in allowing JREL to charge him overseas tour expenses, including booking agents, accountants and producers.
The singer claimed the "several millions" - believed to be about £20 million - which he paid out in touring expenses should have been borne by JREL under a management agreement.
PricewaterhouseCoopers was accused of negligence in managing his affairs. Both defendants vigorously contested the allegations against them.
The judge ruled today the claim in respect of tour costs failed against both PricewaterhouseCoopers and Mr Haydon. He rejected claims of negligence against them.
Elton John has already accepted $5 million (£3.4 million) from Mr John Reid (51) his former lover and manager in settlement of his claims against him.
Mr Reid was not a party to the action before Mr Justice Ferris but the case centred on what was agreed between Elton John and him during a 1984 holiday in St Tropez over who would pay overseas touring costs.
PA