Elon Musk made an appearance at the Nasdaq bell-ringing ceremony on Friday morning, delivering remarks in his characteristic candid and informal manner.

Reflecting on the early investors who backed SpaceX, Musk recalled, "I thought to myself, you guys must have been on some good stuff, because I thought this company was doomed to fail."

Dressed in his signature leather jacket over a black SpaceX-themed t-shirt, Musk stood before a massive backdrop depicting Mars, with a group of employees positioned between him and the image.

Musk stated, "The goal of SpaceX is to take humanity to the Moon, to Mars, and ultimately to the stars beyond."

Following the bell-ringing ceremony, the Nasdaq live broadcast channel played Elton John's song "Rocketman."