Elton John Celebrated Birthday in a Cathedral

Mon, 26 March 2007 12:00:00 ET

Sir Elton John celebrated his 60th birthday in style by throwing a glitzy party at a New York cathedral followed by concert at Madison Square Garden. The flamboyant singer kicked off his birthday weekend by hosting a lavish bash at the Cathedral Church of St John The Divine on Saturday (24.03.07).

A host of celebrities were among the 400 guests, including Donatella Versace, Pierce Brosnan, Yoko Ono, Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne and newlywed Elizabeth Hurley, who arrived wearing a stunning white Versace gown.

During the evening Elton's partner David Furnish, who organised the glamorous event, introduced a short film tribute, featuring messages from Sir Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, Celine Dion and Jim Carrey.

The celebrations continued on Sunday (25.03.07), Elton's actual birthday, when the star performed at the world famous Madison Square Garden, which also poignantly marked his 60th show at the venue.

Elton was introduced by former US president Bill Clinton, who congratulated him on "joining my favourite club, the 60-year-olds", and then launched into his set with 'Sixty Years On'.

He continued to wow the audience with a collection of his biggest hits, including 'Rocket Man', 'Benny and the Jets', 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me' and 'Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting'.

During the performance, Elton was joined on stage by surprise guests Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams and his songwriting musical partner Bernie Taupin, who led the crowd in a rendition of 'Happy Birthday'.

Elton concluded his sold-out concert by performing 'Your Song', telling his fans "Thank you for making my birthday special".