Image copyright Elton John/Instagram

Sir Elton John enjoyed a less than quiet night in on Sunday as he was digitally joined by quarantined stars from around the music world for a virtual coronavirus benefit concert.

The British pop legend hosted the iHeart Living Room Concert For America from his home in Los Angeles.

The online festival featured performances from the likes of Billie Eilish, Dave Grohl and Mariah Carey from their sofas and home studios.

It raised funds for two US charities.

Broadcasting from what he claimed was his only house without a piano, the Rocketman dug out his son's keyboard for a rendition of Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, and also serenaded a delighted Lizzo with an a capella snippet of her track Juice.

"Not long ago, there was another infectious disease that was ignored," said Sir Elton.

"Day in and day out, the disease got worse, because we did nothing. Too many forgot about compassion and decency, and so millions and millions of people perished from Aids.

"But this time, we aren't going to let that happen. So, stay home for the ones you love."

The star was criticised online by some afterwards, however, for comparing the Covid-19 pandemic with the spread of Aids in the 1980s and 90s.

'The host with the biggest heart'

Lady Gaga, who did not sing but did wear sunglasses indoors, described him as "the host with the biggest heart" during the one-hour televised special and told viewers to "find joy however you can" during this period of isolation, and to help their "local communities".

Grammy winner Billie Eilish and her brother and musical partner Finneas O'Connell delivered a chilled out version of her breakout hit Bad Guy - precisely one year after its release.

Eilish, who was relaxing on the couch underneath a baseball cap, sang the track's signature electronic synth line.

Just like opening act Alicia Keys before him, Foo Fighter Dave Grohl dedicated his song to the first responders and healthcare professionals who are treating people with coronavirus, which has taken 2,503 lives in the US so far and killed 1,228 people in the UK.

"I'd like to dedicate this song to all the people out there who are on the frontlines," he said when introducing My Hero. "That are doing their best to get us through all of this.

"If you sing that last chorus every time you wash your hands, I think you might be in good shape," joked Grohl.