WEST HOLLYWOOD • 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 winner 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, held at noon last Saturday, was announced only 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 the 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 United States debut at the nearby Troubadour nightclub in 1970, it added.

John, who is gay, has raised more than US$321 million (S$451 million) through his Elton John Aids Foundation for the treatment and prevention of HIV and Aids.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE