There's a new award in town, one that honours those musicians who have made the greatest, most lasting contribution to music in the modern era; the Brits Icon Award. The first ever Icon to be handed out was done so during a spectacular and star-studded show at London's Palladium Theatre, during which the first honouree of the coveted award played a hit-filled set to his adoring peers. That person; Sir Elton John.

Elton John
Sir Elton became the first honouree of the new award

The gala concert, his first since undergoing surgery for appendicitis earlier this year, saw Elton presented the award by his friend Rod Stewart in front of a celebrity-filled audience that also included Liz Hurley, Lulu, former-President Bill Clinton, Ringo Starr, Gary Barlow and many more. The singing icon received a standing ovation as he took to the stage to collect his award, having been introduced by Stewart, who cheekily referred to the man of the hour as "the second-best rock singer ever."

"Flattered" by the award, Elton went on to thank his long-time writing partner Bernie Taupin for their lasting working relationship, as well as "the Women's Institute" and the fans who made him who he is today. He remarked "they've even made it sparkly on the bottom, which you know I love," upon receiving the award, ending his speech saying, "I can think of a couple of people who might have deserved it more than me."

Sir Elton John
John brought his usual high-octane set to the gala performance

Created by the BPI, the music industry's trade body that is also behind the Brit Awards, the new award will be handed out on a yearly basis in a similar fashion to Monday (2 September) night's London performance. The two-and-a-half hour concert, presented by Dermot O'Leary, played out like a This Is Your Life episode, with Elton and Dermot reminiscing about his illustrious past in between songs. His performance included renditions such hits as 'Tiny Dancer,' 'I'm Still Standing,' 'Your Song' and 'Bennie And The Jets.' The show will air on ITV as part of a TV special later this year.

Elton John Peace One Day
He may not think so, but John is a worth recipient of the award