Gay artists perform in memory of Diana

By Divya Guha • July 2, 2007 - 13:21

A 63,000-strong crowd joined in the bittersweet celebration of the late princess' life, despite the rain.

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Gay performers Elton John and Will Young were joined by Duran Duran, Rod Stewart, Supertramp to pay tribute to the people's Princess in Wembley Stadium yesterday, on what would have been Diana's 46th birthday.

The concert, the result of a year of planning, concluded with Princes William and Harry paying an emotional tribute to their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in a car crash in Paris in 1997.

A 63,000-strong crowd joined in the bittersweet celebration of the late princess' life, despite the rain.

Elton John, who shared with Diana a long friendship and a concern for those affeceted by HIV and AIDS, shed tears as the princes spoke of their memories of their late mother.

Hollywood actress Gillian Anderson described the late princess an 'icon of giving,' who was deeply involved in charity work around the world, especially in Africa.

The proceeds raised from the concert will go to charities Diana was involved with during her lifetime, including the National AIDS Trust (NAT).

There was increased security at Wembley due to the recent terror alerts.

The audience and the royals were heavily protected by uniformed and plainclothes police officers deployed throughout the stadium.

Duran Duran amused the crowd by praying for the sun to come out and performed a set that included their hit Rio, reportedly a favourite of the late princess.

Will Young, who performed in a white suit, and Take That, triumphant after a sell-out comeback tour, had the crowds screaming.

The show included artists who were Diana's favourites alongside some of the prince's choices, such as Lily Allen, who performed her hit single Smile.

Prince William showed off his dance moves during Nelly Furtado's performance of her hit track Maneater, much to the embarrassment of his younger brother.

Kate Middleton, William's ex-girlfriend, was in the crowd, while Prince Harry was joined buy his current sweetheart, Chelsey.

A touch of high culture came in the form of a tribute performance of an extract from Swan Lake by the English National Ballet, of which Diana was a patron.

Tom Jones sang a cover version of The Artic Monkeys' hit I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor.

Elton John, who opened the concert, also concluded it, with a moving four-song set that included Your Song.

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