Springsteen Was Going To Do His Own Benefit

Before agreeing to take part in the December 12th all-star Hurricane Sandy benefit at New York's Madison Square Garden, Bruce Springsteen was planning to stage his own at the Meadowlands Arena across the Hudson River in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

His manager Jon Landau says, "I wanted to be sure that the funds would go throughout the devastated areas, not just New York. Bruce and I talked it over and he's thrilled to be doing it... The capacity in this format with these particular people to raise money is much, much greater than we could have done on our own. We decided that, at least right now, this is the best thing to do."

Also on the bill for the December 12th concert, which is billed as 12-12-12, are Paul McCartney, The Who, Roger Waters, Billy Joel and Jon Bon Jovi, with more to come. The Rolling Stones are in town that week for two of their own shows and have been asked to participate, but nothing has been announced.