David M. Benett/Getty ImagesElton John definitely felt the love last night.
The Rocket Man was honored at London's Palladium on Monday, Sept. 2, with the first-ever Brits Icon Award, given to artists who have had a "lasting impact" on U.K. culture, the BBC reports.
The music legend received the award from fellow singer and friend, Rod Stewart, who playfully called him "the second-best rock singer ever."
What's more, the ceremony gave John his first opportunity to perform since undergoing an appendectomy last month that forced him to postpone several summer concerts.
The Grammy winner, who was "flattered" by the award, belted out several of his hits including "Your Song" and "Tiny Dancer," as well as a new song, "Home Again," off his upcoming album The Diving Board.
According to the BBC, Elizabeth Hurley and James Blunt were among the celebrities in attendance, while video messages from the likes of Bill Clinton, Ringo Starr and Billie Jean King were played during the event.
John is scheduled to resume his concert schedule with a performance in Leeds on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, The Diving Board will be released on Sept. 24.