Elton John performs for astronauts

Legendary musician Elton John marked the 40th anniversary of his hit song Rocket Man by recording a video of it for astronauts in space.

The 65-year-old singer sang the classic ballad at his Million Dollar Piano Show in Las Vegas and beamed the video of it to the European Space Agency, reported Sun online.

John made the gesture after learning Dutch crew member Andre Kuipers is a big fan of the space-themed track, and regularly played it over the craft's airwaves.

"Rocket Man came from those boyhood dreams of travelling beyond the stars. After the single was released, my band and I were invited to the Nasa Hq."

"Now, 40 years later, it is amazing to hear from the astronauts at the European Space Agency that they like the song and that it has been on the playlist on the International Space Station," he said.