Elton John serenaded at concert

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NEW YORK, March 26 (UPI) -- Elton John sang "Philadelphia Freedom" to a raucous crowd at New York's Madison Square Garden and the audience warbled "Happy Birthday" to the 60-year-old.

Sunday's concert celebrated both John's 60th sellout at the Garden and his 60 years on Earth, the New York Post said Monday.

It took just one note to get concert-goers moving. The first note from "Benny and the Jets" got the crowd off its collective seat and on its feet.

John received toasts and roasts from celebrity guests including former President Bill Clinton and comics Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams. His number "60" was officially retired on a banner in the rafters. Long-time writing partner Bernie Taupin lead a chorus of "Happy Birthday."

Besides fans who actually bought tickets, the VIP birthday party guests included country singer k.d. lang, hard rocker and wife and Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, British actor Michael Caine, designer Donna Karan, rapper Kid Rock and film producer Harvey Weinstein.