Justin, Lips Join Stones : Rolling Stone

Justin Timberlake, the Flaming Lips, AC/DC, the Guess Who, the Isley Brothers, and Canadian acts Sam Roberts, Kathleen Edwards, Sass Jordan and La Chicane are among the artists who will join the Rolling Stones in Toronto's Downsview Park July 30th for an all-day benefit concert.

The concert, which the Stones confirmed yesterday, is intended to mitigate the major economic hit Toronto has taken since Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was first diagnosed there this winter. Like last weekend's Concert for Toronto that featured Avril Lavigne, Sum 41, Sarah McLachlan and others, the event will promote tourism to the city's downtown, but the upcoming show will also directly benefit the local economy.

"All of the profit after the basic costs are covered will go toward our healthcare workers and our hospitality workers who have been hit hard," says Member of Parliament Dennis Mills. Thousands in those industries are out of work as a result of the SARS outbreak.

The site holds a half-million people, and 250,000 tickets go on sale Friday at $21.50 Canadian (approximately $16 U.S.).

More acts will be added to the bill in the coming weeks.

KAREN BLISS
(June 24, 2003)