Music icon Paul McCartney could not miss the MTV Europe Music Awards on Thursday, especially since they took place in Liverpool, The Beatles’ birthplace and especially since one very special award was inaugurated by the show’s producers for the singer.

Paul McCartney, who has been making music since his early teens and who has changed music history as one of the Fab Four, was the brightest star at the EMAs last night as he received the Ultimate Legend Award from U2 frontman Bono.

An enthusiastic Bono praised the former Beatle as “St. Paul McCartney” and the “one person in this hall tonight whose work is immortal.” The hearty applause showed all those in attendance agreed with the U2 musician, who humbly said McCartney had invented his job.

The 66-year-old gave an emotional acceptance speech, mentioning “four little boys” who were born in Liverpool and went on “to do quite well,” referring to fellow bandmates John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison who, of course, didn’t just do well, they did fantastically, becoming the most extraordinary band of all times.

McCartney thanked his family and all the fans for having made the trip to Liverpool and gave a nod to newly elected US President Barack Obama. Backstage, he also commented he could think of one song the US leader would like for his wife Michelle Obama – the classic Beatle tune “Michelle.”

Paul McCartney was not the only artist to pay tribute to Barack Obama Thursday night. Host Katy Perry at one point walked onto the stage wearing a dress emblazoned with the president’s image, while co-host Jared Leto, of the band 30 Seconds to Mars, wore an Obama T-shirt and encouraged the crowd to yell “Congrats, Barack.”

Artists taking awards home included Britney Spears, Pink and Kanye West.