Paul Plays "Concert for New York"

Thu., Sep. 27, 2001 4:15 PM PDT by Marcus Errico

First there was the all-star America: A Tribute to Heroes, now comes the equally celeb-packed The Concert for New York and the classic rock-fueled Volunteers for America.

Paul McCartney will get a little help from friends like the Who, Bon Jovi, James Taylor, John Mellencamp, Macy Gray, Goo Goo Dolls, Melissa Etheridge and India.Arie for the October 20 Concert for New York. Britain's New Musical Express reports McCartney also asked the surviving members of Led Zeppelin to reunite for the show, but Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones haven't RSVP'd yet

Non-singing A-listers like Jim Carrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Gwyneth Paltrow and John Cusack are also participating in an unspecified capacity. More performers are expected to be added in coming days. Members of New York sports teams will also be in attendance.

McCartney, who last week announced he was going to give a benefit concert of his own in New York next month, agreed to join with the others because he though it would make a bigger impact, organizers said.

The Madison Square Garden concert, which will be telecast live and commerical-free on VH1 and simulcast on radio stations worldwide and online at AOL, will benefit victims of the terror strikes and pay tribute to the rescue workers, organizers said Thursday.

Proceeds from the concert will go to the Robin Hood Relief Fund and the Twin Towers Fund, as well as various relief programs to aid victims, families, rescue workers and, organizers say, "all others in need, including those suffering the economic consequences of this tragedy and its aftermath." In addition to the show, there will be a memorabilia auction for charity and all merchandise sales will also be kicked into the relief effort.

All artists are donating their time, and the bill is being footed by VH1, Miramax and New York's Cablevision Systems, which owns the Garden.

No word on ticket prices, but seats will go on sale Sunday at noon through Ticketmaster.

If that wasn't enough, a collection of dino-rockers also announced Thursday that they were banding together for two charity concerts benefiting victims of the terror attacks. The Volunteers for America shows will take place October 20 at HiFiBuys Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta and October 21 at Smirnoff Music Center in Dallas. Among those slated to perform: Styx, REO Speedwagon, Bad Company, Journey, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kansas, Eddie Money, Survivor, John Waite, Edgar Winter and Grand Funk Railroad's Mark Farner.

"I just couldn't stand by without doing something to help all of the people whose lives have been destroyed by the terrible tragedies of September 11," says organizer and Styx frontman, Tommy Shaw.

All ticket sales will benefit the American Red Cross, New York Fire and Police Departments and victim's families. Tickets go on sale Saturday through Ticketmaster.

Over the past two weeks, entertainers have rung up millions for the relief effort, with the biggest chunk coming from last Friday's America: A Tribute to Heroes telethon, which raised more than $150 million.