The Elton John concert you couldn't pay to be at

Elton John and Lady Gaga performed live on the Sunset Strip during a surprise one hour show. Photo / Getty

Elton John is indelibly connected with the Academy Awards for his long-running Oscar-night party.

But on Saturday, he created a new connection with a surprise concert in West Hollywood featuring Oscar nominee Lady Gaga, who is set to perform during Sunday's Oscar show.

The singer shut down several blocks of the Sunset Strip for the hour-long show.

Held outside Tower Records the surprise performance was a celebration launching his latest offering, Crazy Wonderful Night.

Gaga and John sung his 1974 hit Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me together, with Elton John dedicating the concert to the city of West Hollywood for its support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Lady Gaga's Till It Happens to You is nominated for best original song at The Oscars.

- AP