Pop icon Elton John is commemorating his 60th birthday with a special performance Sunday at New York's Madison Square Garden, his 60th appearance at the venue.

John, who turns 60, first performed at the Garden on Sept. 23, 1973, when his current hit was Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting.

Elton John is celebrating his 60th birthday on Sunday with a record 60th performance at New York's Madison Square Garden.
(Jeff Christensen/Associated Press)

He holds the Garden's record for the most performances there by any artist, with the Grateful Dead coming in second, having played there 52 times.

The singer has sold about 250 million albums in his 40-year career, with a cavalcade of hits such as Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Tiny Dancer, Candle in the Wind, Crocodile Rock, Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time) and Don't Go Breaking My Heart.

John's most famous performance at Madison Square Garden may be the one with ex-Beatle John Lennon, who was shot to death in 1980.

He co-wrote Lennon's No. 1 comeback single Whatever Gets You Thru the Night. Lennon promised to appear on stage at the arena with John if the song hit the top of the charts. On Thanksgiving Day 1974, the two performed three songs at the arena, including I Saw Her Standing There. It would prove to be Lennon's last live performance.

As well, John, known for his flashy outfits and flamboyant behaviour, performed five sold-out shows in 1988 at Madison Square Garden.

Elton John jokes around with Billy Joel during a 2001 concert performance in Kansas City.
(Delores Johnson/Associated Press)

In 2000, the singer released Elton John: One Night Only — The Greatest Hits Live at Madison Square Garden. The album captured two nights of concerts in October 2000, and featured guest artists such as Bryan Adams, Kiki Dee, Mary J. Blige and Billy Joel.

Available for download

John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and one year later, the songwriter became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

The singer recently announced his catalogue of 32 albums, with more than 400 tracks, would be available for digital download starting March 26 on iTunes.

"I knew that the entire catalogue — not just the hits — needed care and attention to be released in this way," John said in a statement. "Now that it's happening, I'm pleased for the fans' sake."

Elton John and his boyfriend, Canadian David Furnish, entered into a civil partnership in December 2005.
(Canadian Press)

Sunday's event caps a week of celebrations for the singer, who entered into a civil union in 2005 with his long-time boyfriend, David Furnish, a Canadian.

On Tuesday night in London, John had guests dress in outfits from the 1940s and on Saturday night, the couple held a more private celebration in New York with close friends.

The sold-out gig on Sunday is being streamed on the internet on MSN as well as being filmed for a two-hour special to be broadcast in April on MyNetworkTV, run by Fox.

To commemorate the milestone, Garden officials have hoisted a tribute banner in the rafters.

With files from the Associated Press