Elton John - image by Ros O'Gorman

Elton John - image by Ros O'Gorman

Elton John Honoured By BRITs

by Music-News.com on September 3, 2013

in News

Sir Elton John CBE was honored Monday night at the first ever BRITs Icon event which will be aired on Friday, September 13th on Britain’s ITV.

The new award was presented by Rod Stewart who also joined Elton on stage for their first ever live performance together to duet on Sad Songs (Say So Much).

The legendary Elton John, whose achievements include, 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, selling more than 250 million records worldwide and the biggest selling single of all time, Candle In The Wind 1997, played nine songs which included I’m Still Standing, Your Song, ‘Tiny Dancer and two songs from his forthcoming album The Diving Board. Sir Elton’s first full set list below.

The evening was hosted by Dermot O’Leary and included surprise video messages from Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, Ed Sheeran, Annie Lennox, Emilie Sande, Mumford & Sons, Billie Jean King, David Furnish and Bernie Taupin amongst others. The BRITs Icon Award will become part of the established BRIT Awards stable, but will be celebrated at a separate stand-alone event each year. It will be presented only to iconic artists whose writing, recording and performances set them apart as having made a lasting impact on the nation’s culture, recognising the very highest level of British music achievement.

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.”

Full Set list:

  • I’m Still Standing (from Too Low For Zero, 1983)
  • Your Song (from Elton John, 1970)
  • Philadelphia Freedom (Single, 1975)
  • Bennie And The Jets (from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 1973)
  • Tiny Dancer (from Madman Across the Water, 1971)
  • Home Again (from The Diving Board, 2013)
  • Rocket Man (from Honky Chateau, 1972)
  • Mexican Vacation (from The Diving Board, 2013)
  • Sad Songs (Say So Much) with Rod Stewart (from Breaking Hearts, 1984)

Read more at music-news.com

Related Posts

Elton John on the cover of his 1986 album Leather Jackets.
Elton John’s Leather Jackets Turns 40: The Album He Still Considers His Worst

Forty years after its release, Elton John's *Leather Jackets* remains one of the most troubled chapters in his recording career. Despite contributions from Cliff Richard, Cher and two members of Queen, the 1986 album became a commercial disappointment and a record Elton has repeatedly described as the worst he ever made.

2 days ago
Elton John Blue Moves 50th anniversary album cover 1976
Elton John’s Blue Moves Turns 50: The Experimental Double Album He Still Calls A Favourite

Released on 22 October 1976, Elton John's ambitious double album broke from the commercial formula of his biggest years, bringing together gospel, orchestral pop, jazz and dance rhythms. Fifty years later, Blue Moves remains one of the records John has singled out as a personal favourite.

October 22, 2026
Elton John at A Day On The Green at Rochford Winery on Sunday 1 October 2017. Photo by Ros O'Gorman
Elton John Returns To The Stage For Three Final Shows In Five Days

After declaring his touring career over, Elton John returned to the stage for an intimate London performance followed by two farewell concerts in Mexico City, with the final shows reconnecting him with a country he had been forced to miss during his farewell tour.

October 6, 2026
Jason Dean performs Elton John songs with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Hamer Hall in Melbourne.
The Music Of Elton Puts Jason Dean Front And Centre, But Leaves The MSO Underused

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra revisits its historic 1986 Elton John collaboration at Hamer Hall, but the most striking element of the new production is also the question it raises: how much orchestra do you need for an orchestral Elton John show?

October 2, 2026
Elton John performing at piano for The Captain & The Kid era
Elton John The Captain & The Kid Turns 20

Elton John and Bernie Taupin's second autobiographical album followed three decades of extraordinary success, personal change and musical history.

September 18, 2026
Scissor Sisters Ta-Dah album artwork 20th anniversary
Scissor Sisters Ta-Dah Turns 20

Scissor Sisters’ second album Ta-Dah reaches its 20th anniversary on September 15, 2026, marking two decades since the New York group followed its breakthrough debut with an album that produced the international hit I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’.

September 15, 2026
Dolly Parton photo by Ros O'Gorman
Dolly Parton Tributes Pour In From Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, Eminem, Reba McEntire And More

Musicians and performers across generations have remembered Dolly Parton following her death at 80, with tributes highlighting her songwriting, generosity, humour and influence far beyond country music.

August 26, 2026