MUMBAI: The concert was aired in September in the UK on ITV, but Alfred Haber Television has been appointed as the exclusive distributor with worldwide rights for the recently taped ITV special BRITs Icon: Elton John.
The 90-minute gala concert celebrates the extraordinary life and career of music’s one and only Sir Elton John as he is awarded the first ever BRITs Icon Award for the most influential figures in music, who have had a “lasting impact” on UK culture. Created by BPI, the body that represents the UK recorded music industry, the honour was designed as an extension of the annual BRIT Awards ceremony, the UK’s largest music award show. (BRITs refers to British Record Industry Trust – the record industry’s charitable organisation).
Taped live at London’s Palladium and hosted by Dermot O’Leary, the musical includes Elton’s performances of some of his greatest hits, including Your Song, Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, Bennie and the Jets, Philadelphia Freedom, I’m Still Standing, and Sad Songs (Say So Much), performed with his close friend, superstar Rod Stewart, who presented Elton with his award. A career retrospective that salutes the rock legend’s incredible library of work, the special also features video tributes by Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, Annie Lennox, Mumford & Sons, Bernie Taupin, Bono, Charlie Watts, Ed Sheeran, Billie Jean King and former President Bill Clinton.
“Sir Elton John has won every entertainment award possible. With six Grammys, four BRITs, a Golden Globe, an Oscar, a Tony, and now the addition of a BRITs Icon Award, Elton John continues to receive the accolades he so richly deserves,” commented Haber. “He has sold more than 250 million records globally – including the biggest selling single of all time, Candle In The Wind – and we at AHTI are honored to be a part of bringing this legendary entertainer’s work to audiences around the world.”