AIDS Benefit in London Draws 70,000 : Concert: Heavy metal and pop stars pay tribute to the late singer Freddie Mercury of Queen.

Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Minnelli made surprise appearances before a crowd of more than 70,000 rock music fans Monday night, joining an all-star roster of heavy metal and pop artists for a tribute to singer Freddie Mercury of the rock group Queen, who died of AIDS in November.

The concert, held at London’s Wembley Stadium and televised worldwide, was a benefit to promote awareness of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, with proceeds designated for AIDS groups.

Following a short set by Guns N’ Roses and a live satellite link with a simultaneous AIDS awareness concert in South Africa, Taylor walked on stage to heavy applause.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to sing,” she told the crowd. The actress, president of the American Foundation For AIDS Research, gave a short speech about the dangers of AIDS and told the audience to “protect yourselves” by using condoms.

Minnelli appeared for the finale, singing the Queen classic “We Are the Champions.” The entire cast of artists came out to join her, with members of Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard and Metallica among those linking arms and swaying behind her for the sing-along.

Other artists performing at the show included David Bowie, Elton John, George Michael, Robert Plant, Roger Daltrey, Bob Geldof and the three surviving members of Queen. The Irish group U2 appeared on a satellite link from Sacramento, where they were performing a concert.

Tickets for the show had sold out in three hours--before any of the acts were announced. “We didn’t care who was in it,” said Judy Johnston, a middle-aged woman from outside London. “Queen was going to be here--that’s all that mattered to us.”

The concert was divided into two segments. The first featured heavy metal acts that mostly played short sets of their own music; the second half was devoted to Queen’s music, with the surviving band members backing an array of singers who filled in for Mercury.

The crowd remained wildly enthusiastic throughout the night, clapping, swaying and singing along with nearly every song.

A detailed report on the concert will appear in Wednesday’s Calendar section.