Sir Elton John 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.”

    Sir Elton said he was “flattered*” by the award, given to artists who have had a “lasting impact” on U.K. culture.

    He also played several of his hits, including “Your Song” and “Tiny Dancer.”

    Students from the Royal Academy of Music, where Sir Elton trained, joined him on stage to play “Home Again,” from his new album “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 former President Bill Clinton, Ringo Starr and tennis legend Billie Jean King, for whom Sir Elton wrote “Philadelphia Freedom.”

    The star, 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.”

    The 66-year-old added: “I can think of a couple of people who might have deserved it more than me.”(SD-Agencies)

    (SD-Agencies)