Sir Elton John has lashed out at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame officials for failing to induct Donna Summer earlier this year, branding the snub a "total disgrace".
The I Feel Love hitmaker was shortlisted for the honour as part of the class of 2012, but she was overlooked in favour of artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donovan, Beastie Boys and Guns N' Roses - and the Rocket Man is angry his good friend Summer, who died on Thursday, was left out.
Paying tribute to the late star in a statement to Eonline.com, Sir Elton says: "I'm so sad. This woman was the queen of disco and so much more. Her records sound as good today as they ever did.
"That she has never been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a total disgrace, especially when I see the second-rate talent that has been inducted. She is a great friend to me and to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and I will miss her greatly."
MORE ON THE LOSS OF DISCO'S DIVA:
- We Remember The Queen Of The Dance Floor, With 10 Of Her Greatest Tracks
- Donna Summer Loses Private Battle With Cancer, Aged 63
Meanwhile, a host of other celebrities have added their Twitter.com tributes to Summer.
Barbra Streisand, who collaborated with the disco diva on their hit 1979 duet No More Tears (Enough Is Enough), write:, "I was shocked to hear about Donna. She was so vital the last time I saw her a few months ago. I loved doing the duet with her. She had an amazing voice and was so talented... It's so sad."
And rocker Lenny Kravitz tweets: "Rest in peace Donna. You are a pioneer and you have paved the way for so many of us. You transcended race and genre. Respect", while Bret Michaels adds: "My deepest condolences got out to the family of Donna Summer regarding the passing of a true legend."
Rapper Nicki Minaj exclaims: "Wow, another legend gone", while Kelly Osbourne insists Summer's legacy will "live on forever", and Kelly Rowland admits the icon was her childhood inspiration: "Donna Summer. Icon! Legend! Her voice! Her spirit! Rest In peace, you truly inspired me! I love you!"
Meanwhile, pop group the Scissor Sisters have dedicated their concert in London on Thursday night to Summer.
Frontwoman Ana Matronic tweets: "We'll be doing it for Donna tonight!!"
