Musical's character strikes a chord with Elton

Elton John says he was inspired to write the music for Billy Elliot because he felt a connection with the young boy who dreamed of being a star.

John and partner David Furnish greeted fans at the red-carpet premiere of the musical at Sydney's Capitol Theatre.

"When I saw the film, it really got to me," John, 60, said. "I felt a connection with Billy." John said he, too, had difficulty getting his father to accept his career choice.