Before the MTV Video Music Awards aired this weekend, New York was already kicking off the festivities around town. With less than two weeks' notice given for fans to grab tickets, Phoenix and Kid Cudi shared the stage at a special pre-VMAs concert on Sept. 12 to benefit LIFEbeat, the music industry's HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness organization.

"This is definitely the wrong mic stand," Kid Cudi joked as he worked his way through songs in front of an enthusiastic all-ages audience at New York's Terminal 5. "That's how impromptu this show is."

The New York by way of Cleveland rapper opened the night with a set that lasted about an hour, previewing his debut album, 'Man on the Moon: The End of Day.' The single 'Day 'n' Nite,' which Cudi sang half a cappella, brought his much-hyped performance to a close. Cudi acknowledged that his Sept. 15 release has already leaked on the Internet, but he advised the young crowd to "download it, but make sure you go buy it Tuesday. Don't f--- around."

Meanwhile, concertgoers had fun playing with the Beatles: Rock Band game set up at the venue until Phoenix took the stage for a whirlwind headlining set, which was based on their standard tour fare. Summer staple 'Lisztomania' got the crowd dancing at the one-off event, and tunes including 'Long Distance Call,' 'Rally' and 'Lasso' were sprinkled into the smooth mix of pop perfection. Phoenix capped off the show with the catchy '1901,' from 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.'

The crowd wasn't quite ready to see an end to the evening, but the French quartet will soon be back. Phoenix are scheduled to play a pair of sold-out shows in New York later in the month on the U.S. leg of their fall tour.

Phoenix Tour Dates
on TourTracker.com