George Michael performed at Sir Elton John's fundraising event last night.

The singer firmly put the past behind him as he took to the stage at the Royal Opera House in London for a concert to raise money for Elton's Aids Foundation.

George was almost 40 minutes late arriving on stage at the event, but he received a warm reception.

He then told the audience it was a 'special' experience for him to be performing at the Royal Opera House, because his mother had loved the venue so much.

't's truly special to play here,' he explained. 'Probably not exactly my normal audience tonight but you're all absolutely there to be corrupted as far as I'm concerned.'

The concert attracted a host of stars including Elton and his partner David Furnish, members of the Scissor Sisters, Kylie Minogue and Mel C.

During his set, George performed Elton's song Idol.

'This next song was written by someone I hope has made it in here already ' Elton,' he joked. "It's a song he wrote in the late 70s and it's about an ageing pop star. Funny that."

Elton responded to George's jibes with a wave.

George also performed several of his own tracks including Cowboys and Angels, as well as a cover of Rufus Wainwright's Going to Town.

The black tie event was part of George's European tour.

Proceeds from the concert will go to the Elizabeth Taylor Memorial Fund, which was recently set up by Elton's Aids Foundation in memory of the late Hollywood legend.

George and Elton were close friends during the 80s and collaborated on Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me in 1991. However, their friendship hit the rocks after Elton tried to help George battle his drug problems.

George reportedly told the star to stop interfering in his life, while Elton claimed George was in a 'strange place'. The pair finally healed their rift earlier this year.