Sir Elton John has been immortalised on a new set of Royal Mail stamps

Sir Elton John has become only the second solo artist in history to be honoured with a set of Royal Mail stamps.

Fresh from the success of his biopic Rocketman, Sir Elton’s illustrious music career has been commemorated with a set of 12 stamps.

Eight of the stamps feature the covers of his most popular albums, including Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and his 1972 breakthrough Honky Chateau.

Caribou, which included ‘The Bitch Is Back’ and ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’, also appears, as well as the Gianni Versace-designed cover for Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy.

The remaining four stamps celebrate Elton’s live shows, from his 1973 mini-residency at London’s Hammersmith Odeon to the 2018 Madison Square Garden stop of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

Sir Elton John ‘honoured’ by stamp set.

Sir Elton follows in the footsteps of David Bowie, who became the first solo artist to be given his own set of stamps in 2017.

“To say I was surprised when Royal Mail got in touch is an understatement,” Sir Elton said.

“Never did I think I’d appear on a stamp…! It’s wonderful, a great honour.”

Royal Mail spokesperson Philip Parker said: “Elton is one of the most successful British solo artists of all time.

“He has recorded some of the best-known songs in pop history such as ‘Candle in the Wind’ and ‘Rocket Man’.

“Our stamps issued today showcase some of his most iconic albums, and celebrate his fantastic musical contribution.”

Farewell Yellow Brick Road.

Sir Elton is currently touring the world for what he says is the final time.

By the time he plays his final show at London’s The O2 in December 2020, he will have performed more than 300 nights of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road show.

Announcing the three-year jaunt in 2018, Sir Elton said he wanted to retire to “dedicate more time to raising [his] children”.

“It’s time to come off the road so I can fully embrace the next important chapter of my life,” he said.

The musician shares sons Zachary, 8 and Elijah, 6 with husband David Furnish.