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Elton wins first Brits Icon award
Tuesday, September 3 2013 |
Elton has won the first ever Brits Icon award, in a gala concert which marked his stage return after surgery for appendicitis.
The musician was presented with the prize by his friend, singer Rod Stewart, who described him as "the second-best rock singer ever". Elton said he was "flattered" by the award, given to artists who have had a "lasting impact" on UK culture. He also played several of his hits:- I'm Still Standing
- Your Song
- Philadelphia Freedom
- Bennie And The Jets
- Tiny Dancer
- Home Again
- Rocket Man
- Mexican Vacation
- The Bitch Is Back
- Sad Songs
Students from the Royal Academy of Music, where Elton trained, joined him on stage to play "Home Again", from his new album "The Diving Board", while Stewart duetted with his "dear mate" on the closing song, "Sad Songs (Say So Much)".
The concert was attended by the likes of Liz Hurley and Gary Barlow, while video messages were played from President Clinton, Ringo Starr and tennis legend Billie Jean King, for whom Elton wrote "Philadelphia Freedom".
Elton, wearing red sequinned shoes, received a standing ovation as he accepted the gold Brits trophy. Holding it aloft, he remarked: "They've even made it sparkly on the bottom, which you know I love". He dedicated the award to writing partner Bernie Taupin, "who I wouldn't be here without", as well as the "Women's Institute and you, the fans". He added: "I can think of a couple of people who might have deserved it more than me."
Pop star Lulu, who was a special guest at the show, told the BBC "he is a one-off, he is totally unique. Only the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Elvis are at the top [with him]. So it's perfectly fitting he should get the first Icon award."
James Blunt, who is signed to the star's management company, described him as "the kindest man I've ever met. On a music level, on a friendship level, on a humanitarian level this is an incredibly special person - and that's not including his other great talent, which is he is an incredible songwriter and a formidable performer."
The Icon prize has been created by the BPI, the music industry's trade body, which also runs the Brit Awards.
Prior to the show, Elton had already won two Brits for outstanding contribution to the music industry, as well as the Freddie Mercury memorial award for his charity work.
He was presented with the latter prize at the White House in 2008, by then-Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Proceeds from the Icon award show will go to the Brit Trust, Text Santa and the Royal Academy of Music. The highlights will be shown on ITV on September 13, 2013.
Elton BRITs ICON show to be shown on ITV
Friday, August 30 2013 at 07:09:10
Elton to get first Brits Icon award
Sunday, July 28 2013 at 17:12:18
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