Despite hundreds of tribute artists on the music scene, High Wycombe man Paul Bacon can say he really is the Ultimate Elton John tribute act after gaining a seal of approval from none other than Elton John’s mum.

Some tribute artists look like their idol, some sound like their idol, but very few can count the mother of their idol as one of their top fans.

Elton impersonator, Paul, 54, made the national newspapers at the weekend when Elton’s mum, Sheila Farebrother, invited him to play at her 90th birthday celebrations. 

The keen singer, who was born in High Wycombe and has lived here for most of his life, told of his shock at getting the invite from Mrs Farebrother, who reportedly hasn’t spoken to her famous son since 2008 after a feud.

"I produced a video with my band to promote our new show and my producer, who has worked with Elton before and knows him and his mum, sent the video to someone she knew who showed her. She said it was very good.

"It was very special and quite exciting to perform at her party.

"I was nervous because it was a very special occasion for her and there were lots of celebrities at the party. There were lots of people who knew Elton personally so I knew I had to be on top form to please them.

"She gave me a list of songs that she wanted me to play, songs that I think were her favourites. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Your Song and Crocodile Rock were on there. We played for about an hour and everyone had a great time and really got into the spirit."

Among the guests at the star-studded birthday party was Kiki Dee, who is perhaps best known for her 1976 duet with Elton on the popular track Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. 

The singer even stepped on stage at the party to duet with Paul and the band.

Paul said: "Kiki Dee came up on stage and we sung Don’t Go Breaking My Heart together. It was really fun and the audience loved it."

Paul, who has been a full-time Elton tribute act alongside The Rocket Band for around six years, has been an Elton John super fan for as long as he can remember.

He said: "I started singing his songs many years ago when I was in college. I've always been a big fan of his music. I used to do it for fun and people said I looked like Elton and sounded like him and this was back when tribute bands didn’t really exist.

"I've grown up listening to his music and watching him perform, so I think I've just absorbed his mannerisms and persona subconsciously over the years."

"The band and I have been together about three years so we have done quite a lot of touring and performing together. I'm lucky to work with such excellent musicians."

Audiences at the Wycombe Swan now have the chance to see Paul and his Rocket Band in action when they bring their Ultimate Elton Tribute to High Wycombe on April 18.

"We played a show at the Wycombe Swan about three years ago so we’re really looking forward to coming back.

"I try to look the part and sound like him as much as I can. We do a full two hour show so we perform songs from every era of his career. It’s a really fun evening."

Since hitting the headlines with his birthday party appearance, Paul says him and his Rocket Band have been inundated with bookings.

He said: "I was on Chris Evans’ breakfast show on Radio 2 and he actually booked us for a party which is really exciting."

The international superstar’s mother was so impressed with their performance, she emailed Paul to say thank you after the party.

Mrs Farebrother’s email read: "Just wanted to say a big Thank You for the gig on Saturday at my party. You were sensational and everyone was just amazed and enjoyed it all so much.

"Do say a big Thank You to the lads for me for doing such a good job. They really are great musicians and you all deserve a lot of praise and good fortune.

"Everyone loved you all and are still raving about it all."

Ultimate Elton's new single, You Take My Breath Away is available now.