Watch Elton John's rare and powerful performance of his John Lennon tribute song

Today we're wishing a happy birthday to the legendary John Lennon!

In honour of what would have been the 'Imagine' singer's 80th birthday, we have quite an amazing treat for his fans ...

Elton John has blessed us with countless classics over the years, from 'Your Song' and 'Tiny Dancer' to 'Crocodile Rock' and 'Circle of Life' — but there is one song that we think is one of his most powerful songs ever.

Only, it's not a song you're likely to ever hear him play live.

Elton is notoriously reluctant to perform his beautiful, heartfelt tribute to John Lennon, titled 'Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)' live, because it brings back painful memories of Lennon's murder.

You can watch an extremely rare performance of the song from November 5 1999, at the Kohl Center in Madison above ...