Lens flare - Stylish or bad?

[R33E8]

I had to take some photos of a concert at my school.. I had a few photos like this.. I timed it just right to get him with the back light but each time I got a nasty lens flare.. Is the picture still ok? Is it hard to remove a lens flare? Also, some harsh critique would be nice:D

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3642/3524837326_23335945fa_o.jpg

[S.Horton]

That's a really, really nice photo.

The flare is fine -- I like what it is doing there.

[watchtherocks]

Totally fine. Lens flare in situations like this is virtually unavoidable.
As for the critique, I really don't think it needs it. Focus looks good, you got everything in the frame, and you managed the light well. Perhaps think about the rule of thirds and also try to get something else of interest in the frame? Also, emotion on the face of a performer always adds a lot to a shot, and try to get them when their mouth isn't covered by a microphone.

[Gapton]

The flare in itself is alright I think, it adds interest and help express the scene being captured. However, one very strange thing is that the perfect alignment of the white flares with his fists make it looks like he is holding two virtual dumbbells......... or two glowing lollipops. Its a totally random coincidence, but I really cant help noticing that. Maybe some PP should help.