Rod Stewart stayed notably silent yesterday as Elton John marked his 78th birthday. This celebration took an emotional turn when the legendary Rocketman singer broke down in tears while reflecting on his mortality. Having faced numerous health challenges over the years, Elton recently revealed the heart-wrenching news of his near blindness due to a severe infection last summer.

Meanwhile, Rod, 80, remained tight-lipped on social media during this poignant occasion. Five days ago, he delighted fans with a snapshot from his electrifying concert at the Hard Rock Hotel in Tampa, Florida. Now on a whirlwind tour across the USA and Canada, he continues to captivate audiences, with tickets flying off the shelves.

Elton and Rod have had quite a rollercoaster of a relationship over the years, especially since things got rocky back in the 1960s when Rod seemed to develop a rivalry with the pop icon.

Their paths first crossed during the vibrant early days of their careers, when Elton was still performing with his band Bluesology, captivating audiences during the swinging '60s.

However, the foundation of their friendship wasn’t exactly laid in harmony. Tensions flared when Rod decided to cover Elton’s song "Country Comfort".

Elton took issue with some changes Rod made to his lyrics, calling out his friend for sounding like he "made it up as he went along."

Elton reminisced about their longstanding banter, as he shared: "We've spent nearly fifty years constantly taking the p**s out of, and trying to put one over, each other."

A banner advertising Elton's Olympia concert was once mysteriously cut down in the heart of London, prompting Rod to ring up Elton and tease him about it. Rod said: "Such a shame about your banner, love. I heard it wasn’t even up for five minutes. I bet you didn’t even get to see it.”

Continuing their tongue-in-cheek pranks, when Rob held his Blondes ‘Ave More Fun tour in the 1970s, Elton ensured billboards were plastered on the opposite side of the road that read, “But brunettes make more money.”

However, the pair have shared some heartwarming moments over the years, including after Elton took an 18-month break to go to rehab during the mid-Eighties, and Rod surprised his frenemy by appearing in full drag on stage at Wembley Stadium.

The pair locked horns again in 2018 after Rod claimed Elton’s 300-date Farewell Yellow Brick Road retirement tour “stinks of grabbing money” during a live TV interview.

This move prompted Elton to dedicate an entire chapter to bashing Rod in his 2019 autobiography. The latter apologised for what he said, calling his actions “bang out of order” as he attempted to rebuild their friendship again.

Rod said: “I was a bit spiteful when he announced his tour. I regret it; I really do regret it. So we’re mates again now. I do love him.”