Elton John gives surprise LA concert with Lady Gaga as guest

WEST HOLLYWOOD - Agence France-Presse

REUTERS photo

Elton John gave a surprise West Hollywood concert to several thousand fans ahead of the Oscars, with Lady Gaga as guest performer.

The 66-year-old Grammy-winning musician played in the parking lot of what used to be Los Angeles' Tower Records store, as a gesture of thanks to the city that hosts his Academy Awards viewing party to raise funds for his AIDS foundation.
 
The free concert, which was held at noon on Feb. 27, was only announced the evening before to keep crowding down, the Los Angeles Times reported.
 
During the 70-minute affair, John performed a duet with Lady Gaga, and launched into some of his classics such as "Bennie and the Jets," "Tiny Dancer" and "Your Song."  

He also performed songs from his new album "Wonderful Crazy Night."  

A couple of thousand people were able to catch concert, cramming into the parking lot and nearby streets, with others watching from surrounding rooftops and windows, the Times said.
 
West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey Horvath introduced John, who made his US debut at the nearby Troubadour nightclub in 1970, it added.
 
John, who is gay, has raised more than $321 million through his Elton John AIDS Foundation for the treatment and prevention of HIV and AIDS.
 
Sunday evening marks the 88th annual Oscars ceremony, when Hollywood hits the red carpet for a sparkling night of awards and celebrations.