Sir Elton John has played his first concert in India to more than 20,000 fans, the day before the UK music industry is honouring him for his contribution to British music.

Sir Elton performed 28 songs in Bangalore on his custom-made piano, including the hits Nikita, I'm Still Standing, Circle of Life and Sacrifice.

The singer songwriter, who said he was "very excited about playing in India", began the performance with Your Song, dedicating it to the audience, a sprinkling of business tycoons, corporate leaders and celebrities.

Pramod Naidu, an advertising executive, said he went to the concert to get away from the "rubbish" tunes featured in India's Hindi movies.

Bangalore was chosen for the gig as it does not have Bombay's early curfew

"It is a great relief to sit back and listen to Elton John," he said.

"Though I like the Beatles and Boney M this setting and audience is hard to find in India.

"It is a great relief from those rubbish tunes of late which our movies have."

Many concert-goers said the performance - held in the grounds of a British-style palace - highlighted the plight of India's music industry.

"It is a sad state of affairs," said businessman Sanjeev Dange. "There is no comparison between him and our singers.

"Elton John is a diamond while Indian singers are only gold."

Middle class

Bangalore was chosen to host the concert over India's film and entertainment capital Bombay, because Bombay has a 50% entertainment tax and a 2200 curfew for live performances.

Concert tickets were priced between $20.70 (�13.30) and $10.35 (�6.60) in a nation where the annual income per head is just $500 (�320).

India has a sizeable pop music following but has only recently become a feature on tour circuits, thanks to a fast-growing middle class.

Bangalore has also recently played host to Bryan Adams, the Scorpions, Deep Purple and Roger Walters.

Sir Elton and fellow songwriter Bernie Taupin also received the Music Industry Trust Award for their contribution to British music at London's Grosvenor House on Monday.