George Michael To Honor Elizabeth Taylor At Charity Concert

George Michael is organizing a charity concert in London to raise money for the Elizabeth Taylor Memorial Fund, an initiative of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

“I have seen how HIV can affect people lives, how it can destroy families and communities,” said George, who had to cancel an appearance at Alicia Keys' charity Black Ball in London earlier this month due to illness. "The way that the Elton John AIDS Foundation gets help to the people around the world who need it most – often the most marginalized communities – really spurred me on to do something.

“I also really wanted to honor the inspiring efforts that Elizabeth Taylor made – especially in the early years of the epidemic – and to mark her passing this year I am delighted to announce that the Elton John AIDS Foundation will use all the proceeds from this show to create and manage a new fund in her memory – The Elizabeth Taylor Memorial Fund.”

The concert will take place on November 6 at London’s Royal Opera House.

“George has been a patron of the Foundation since its inception and has been a much valued supporter over the years, as well as a dear friend,” said Sir Elton John. “This is an incredible and generous gesture. I thank George from my heart for doing this. His is an amazing talent, and this is a fantastic gift he is making to people affected by HIV.”