Elton John Honoured With BRITs Icon Award
The music legend is the first ever recipient
Sir Elton John was honoured last night at the first ever BRITs Icon event in London.
The 66-year-old music legend was handed the award by his close friend Rod Stewart who cheekily dubbed Sir Elton as “the second greatest rock singer ever.”
Hosted by Dermot O’Leary, the intimate event was filmed for ITV and will be aired on Friday 13th September.
Sir Elton performed a collection of his most famous tunes including 'I’m Still Standing', 'Your Song' and 'Tiny Dancer' plus two songs from his forthcoming album 'The Diving Board' and a closing duet of ‘Sad Songs (Say So Much)’ with Rod Stewart.
Surprise video messages were also played to Elton from Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, Ed Sheeran, Annie Lennox, Emilie Sandé, Mumford & Sons, Billie Jean King, David Furnish and Bernie Taupin.
Before the show Elton John said: "It's a tremendous honour and a real thrill for me to have my work acknowledged in this way, and I'm really looking forward to participating in what promises to be a very special occasion."
BPI and BRIT Awards Ltd Chief Executive, Geoff Taylor said, “We’re proud to be launching our first ever BRITs Icon Award with an artist of Sir Elton’s incredible stature. He represents the very embodiment of what the BRITs Icon is all about, having achieved a level of creativity, originality, critical acclaim and global success that few others can match.”
The BRITs Icon Award is run as an annual event separate from The BRIT Awards and pays tribute ‘to iconic artists whose writing, recording and performances set them apart as having made a lasting impact on the nation’s culture.’
The inaugural ceremony was attended by the likes of Gary Barlow, James Blunt, Pixie Lott, Liz Hurley, Penny Lancaster and Lulu.
Check out our gallery from the event by CLICKING HERE.
Sir Elton John played:
- I’m Still Standing 2. Your Song 3. Philadelphia Freedom 4. Bennie And The Jets 5. Tiny Dancer 6. Home Again 7. Rocket Man 8. Mexican Vacation 9. Sad Songs (Say So Much) with Rod Stewart
Photo: John Marshall