Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will serve as the musical headliner for the annual Stand Up For Heroes benefit, being held at Madison Square Garden in New York on November 5 (Rolling Stone). The event raises money for injured military service members and their families.
Springsteen, interestingly, is the only musical act listed on the initial lineup (which admittedly only features five names). Comedians Louis C.K., John Oliver and John Mulaney are slated to perform, and NBC's Brian Williams will appear in some capacity. The initial announcement does suggest that surprise performers will appear, which may include some musical help. Not that The Boss needs it...he's probably played concerts longer than the event itself.
The event has hosted Roger Waters, Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Cosby, Ricky Gervais and more in the past but Springsteen has played every year since its openings during 2007. Last year he played a three-song acoustic set, made some comedy of his own and auctioned off a guitar, offered playing lessons and a chance to watch him record at his home, via an auction. Bidding got to $250,000.
Tickets for this year's event go on sale September 17 at noon.
"We, as well as the show's talented performers, want to show our appreciation for and give back to the brave men and women who served our country and have come home injured," said Bob Woodruff, whose organization runs the event. "We are inspired and moved by the grand presence of all these groups on such an incredible night for us to commend and remember our heroes."
