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Some of the tributes that have affected me the most have come from my 'fans' - friends - men, women, and little children. God bless them. Indeed, I feel that my recovery has been greatly advanced by the encouragement given me by everyone.

Nearly 30,000 fans turned out to support the tribute match and provide one of the best atmospheres at the ground for ages. I was so happy to be part of it.

The applause was so loud and insistent that I had to respond with several encores. I was numb with happiness, when it was over, I knew that this alone must be my life and my world.

The standing ovation threw me... to be held in such regard in a town so full of talent is quite something.

I don't live for the accolades. I'm more so about the music. Making it, and putting it out. Those are the two best feelings.

Do not trust to the cheering, for those persons would shout as much if you and I were going to be hanged.

I was honoured when they asked me to appear at the president's birthday rally in Madison Square Garden. There was like a hush over the whole place when I came on to sing 'Happy Birthday,' like if I had been wearing a slip, I would have thought it was showing or something. I thought, 'Oh, my gosh, what if no sound comes out!'

The fans have been really incredible everywhere we've been. You want to make sure you put on the best concert of your life to show them how appreciative you are.

I've attended many concerts where I felt let down and I was wishing it would be something else. Not that it's their duty to please me, but at the same time, I think a lot about what it's like through the eyes of the consumer, the fan. I want not to pander to the audience, but to be aware of them.

I didn't do this by myself, man. It was so many people, so many fans that came in there and cheered for me, night in and night out.