Sir Elton John to receive inaugural Brits Icon award

Sir Elton John has been announced as the first ever recipient of the new Brits Icon award, for his contribution to the field of music.

The veteran singer will be presented with the prize, which has been created by the music industry's trade body - BPI, at a show in September that will be broadcasted later by ITV, the BBC reported.

The award was made to recognize an artist, whose writing, recording and performances have made a "lasting impact" on British culture.

The 'Rocket Man' hit maker recently had to cancel his headline appearance in Hyde Park in June as he was being treated for appendicitis, but he is expected to recover in time to perform at the Brit Icon awards show on 2 September.

The songwriter, who has sold more than 250 million records, said that it is a tremendous honour and a real thrill for him to have his work acknowledged in this way.

John asserted that he is really looking forward to participating in what promises to be a very special occasion.

Geoff Taylor, the chief executive of the BPI and Brit Awards, said that John had achieved such a level of artistic creativity and originality, critical acclaim, global recognition and popular success that he deserved to be recognised as a true icon of our cultural life.