'He's made it a leaner, meaner machine': Elton John defends David Furnish amid accusations his husband's taking control of his business affairs

Sir Elton John has hit back at critics of his husband David Furnish who claim the filmmaker is meddling in the music icon's business affairs. 

The Your Song singer, 68, has parted ways with a number of long-standing members of his entourage in recent years, the latest of which was PR chief Gary Farrow in December, and fingers have been pointed at Furnish, 53, as the force behind the cull.

However, in an interview with The Guardian's Alexis Petridis, Elton joked that he calls his husband 'Yoko', in reference to John Lennon's wife -- who some blame for breaking up The Beatles, and rubbished claims that he was a recluse, unaware of how his businesses were being handled.

Scroll down for video 

Stand by your man: Sir Elton John, 68, has hit back at critics of his husband David Furnish, 53, who claim the filmmaker is meddling in the music icon's business affairs

He explained: ‘My businesses have been badly run for the last five or six years, he’s [Furnish] come in, had a look at what’s gone on, pruned a few people away, made it a leaner, meaner machine. 

'We’ve made some changes and some of them haven’t been very popular, because people don’t like being gotten rid of, which is quite right. On a human level, I understand that people are hurt; on the other hand, they needed to go.'

Indeed, the reason Elton fell out with his mother Sheila Farebrother, 90, eight years ago was over his insistence that she cut ties with his former chauffeur Bob Halley and manager John Reid, after cutting them from his team. 

Taking stock of the situation: The legendary musician said Furnish had merely 'pruned a few people away'

Discussing their fallout as well as Furnish in an interview with the Daily Mail's David Wigg last year, she said: 'It's pretty obvious if anyone thinks about it. Elton didn't even fall out with Bob [Halley] really. The relationship ended abruptly. Everybody was got rid of all of a sudden. That's what happened and everybody has gone — me included.

'Everyone who used to be invited to the parties doesn't get invited any more . . . and we know who is behind that!' 

'There are none of his old loyal friends around — they have all been dropped. Look how John Reid has been outcast.' 

Sense of humour: Aware of the rumours about his husband, Elton joked that he now calls him 'Yoko, after the late John Lennon's wife

While he may need a large team around him to look after his business empire, Elton is very much hands on when it comes to his two sons.

Keen to keep Zachary, five, and Elijah, three, grounded, Elton and David have devised away to make their children appreciate the value of things. 

‘David and I talk about it all the time, we’re fully aware of the pitfalls that might happen,' said the singer. 'They are spoilt in the way they live and how they’re living, but they’re not spoilt when it comes to the rules they have to live by.'

Colourful character: Elton (pictured taking part in James Corden's Carpool Karaoke) plays an active role in his two sons' lives

Providing a snapshot of family life in the John household, he revealed he and David spend their weekends in high street restaurant Pizza Hut and bookstore Waterstones. They also enjoy trips to the cinema and Elton is regularly on the school run.

He explained how the boys get £3 pocket money, with £1 going to charity, £1 for saving and £1 for spending.

And the small amount must be earned, with the children having to carry out chores in the kitchen and garden. 

The star recently released his 32nd studio album, the poppy and upbeat Wonderful Crazy Night to a positive critical reception. 

Rebuilding their relationship: Elton and his mother Sheila Farebrother, 90, recently patched things up following an eight-year feud