Quote: "-The whole euro tour is about to be announced."

Last year, with protesters gathered outside, accused homophobe Eminem and gay singer Elton John performed together, and this year all eyes are on an artists' rights group whose big stars — including Sheryl Crow, Beck and dozens of others — are staging high-profile benefit concerts on the eve of the ceremony. They plan to use the money they raise to fight the way recording contracts work.

Eagles singer Don Henley formed the Recording Artists Coalition two years ago (see "Henley, Petty, Love Urge Artists To Fight The Labels' Power"), and it first garnered attention last spring when members testified before the U.S. Senate on online rights (see "Morissette, Henley Tell Senate To Remember Needs Of Artists"). But the organization's latest battle has created a media frenzy, partly because of the talent participating and partly because the issue appears to be a war between artists and their labels.

"The nature of record contracts is so coldly exploitative it's baffling," Mike Doughty, former Soul Coughing frontman and a member of RAC, said. "Look, why shouldn't artists be released from their contracts after a period of time if everyone else in the state of California is? Is fair somehow not fair when it comes to musicians?"

California's 56-year-old labor code includes what has come to be known as the "seven-year statute," which, until 1987, allowed all workers the right to terminate a personal service contract after seven years. Fifteen years ago, however, the record labels successfully lobbied for an amendment that made musicians liable for albums still owed after seven years with a label.

The Recording Artists Coalition is fighting to eliminate that amendment, and in January it called on state legislatures for support (see "Beck, Deftones, Others Rally For Bill That Could Change Recording Contracts").

Tuesday night's Concerts for Artists Rights — four concerts in the Los Angeles area featuring No Doubt, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder and the Eagles (see "Korn, Ozzy, Zombie, Elton Out; Vedder, Beck In For Musicians' Rights Group Shows") — will raise money for the coalition, its current battle and possibly others to come.

The concerts have been called anti-label shows by many in the industry, but Jim Guerinot, a manager for No Doubt and the Offspring and a leader in RAC, said that is simply not the case.

"The misconception is that these concerts are to battle the record labels," Guerinot said. "They're not at all. These concerts are to raise money so that we can actually function. We need to raise money to pay for the people that we have employed; it's not raising money to fight labels, that's way too simplistic. There's going to be other issues where we are in line with the labels, whether it is payola, Internet piracy or heath care, and there are things where we are going to differ. We are going to differ every day, but we still manage to do business together."

Several record label executives and the Recording Industry Association of America that represents them did not return calls for comments but have argued in the past that the labor code amendment provides needed protection for the labels, who they say take massive financial risks and endure the failure of 90 percent of their acts. In a letter to Democratic Sen. Kevin Murray, who is working with the RAC, heads of the five major label conglomerates said they believe removing the amendment will upset the "contractual balance that now exists." They will be unable to take risks on new artists if they can't hold on to their profitable acts, they contend.

That is not a good enough argument for Guerinot. "What they're saying is that the successful recording artists are the venture capitalists for their values, but they're not allowed decision making in running the business," he said. "Would you work at a business where 90 percent of the employees don't work or fail? Would you want to be one of the only 10 percent who show up on time and have the obligation to carry on your back the other 90 percent who don't? It's not our fault. Maybe they sign too many bands or they sign them too soon or they sign something that is out of step with what's going. We're not an equity partner to make that determination.

Outsiders should not look at what the Recording Artists Coalition is doing as biting the hand that feeds them, but rather just cleaning up the labor code, Guerinot explained. "We just say, 'If it's a bad law, let it not apply to anyone. If it's a good law, it should apply to everyone.' If we have problems with our recording contract, we'll take them up with our label. Legislature should not tie our hands."

Separate from the seven-year statute debate that has been brewing since last fall is the differing opinions about whether successful artists, assumed to be as millionaires by most, should be staging fund-raising concerts for their own cause. Island/Def Jam Music Group President Lyor Cohen called the concerts selfish in a Los Angeles Times article published Sunday. Even an artist in the coalition, who would not go on record, questioned the concerts.

Calling artists selfish for performing at the concerts and arguing for contract rights is wrong, Guerinot said, because many of them, including the coalition's founder, are fighting the battle only so the next generation of artists will be treated fairly.

"If these people don't speak up, who does?" Guerinot asked. "Don Henley is one of the rich rock stars. He has made a tidy sum. Who needs this? This doesn't put any money in his pocket. This is bullsh--. Every time you turn around you see another musician say, 'This isn't fair.'

"If Congress, local and state legislatures are meeting to discuss things that impact the recording artist, we want to be there to have a presence," he added. "We think we deserve that. We don't expect the RIAA or other trade organizations to represent our interests; they have their own. We think that's fabulous. We don't begrudge them that."

Some predict the RAC's current battle could generate momentum for a broader movement of musicians seeking more detailed accounting practices from record labels or even a full-on industry probe by the government, but Guerinot said the coalition is just taking it one step at a time.

"We're talking to the people who are key to the issue now, then we got to the next step," he said. "If nothing else, I don't see how the record industry wins by holding the artist in this position. How do you claim victory?"

This will become a beautiful summer, and in the mean time Adrian has reported that they will indeed do the Roskilde Festival in Denmark, and their booking agent in Europe mentioned the Hultsfred Festival in Sweden.

First, on the red carpet leading into the new Kodak Theatre, Evan and Jaron joked that they thought the inaugural "Love Rocks" concert was honoring the late Sonny Bono. Then, R.E.M. carried on the joke by bringing out Cher during their four-song set to duet with singer Michael Stipe on "I Got You Babe," after which Cher said, "I've never done that song without my Bono, so that was for you, Bono."

Finally, when accepting his Heart of Entertainment Award from the Entertainment Industry Foundation, U2 singer Bono told a story about his encounter with "a short little silent man," who after getting off an elevator with the Irishman, turned around and said, "It's pronounced 'Bone-o.' "

Still, it was clear who the "Love Rocks" gala, which also served as an awards ceremony and a fund-raiser for cardiovascular research, was all about. During the early part of the two-hour concert, No Doubt contributed a funky performance of "Sweetest Thing" that reminded everyone in attendance why U2 are the biggest rock band in the world — "their perfect three-minute pop songs," as Tom Cruise, who presented Bono his award, later put it.

But Bono's songwriting craft was not why he was being honored. The EIF awarded Bono for his humanitarian work promoting debt relief and AIDS awareness in the Third World, and for his work with Amnesty International, Greenpeace International and other organizations.

The evening's presenters and performers, including Kevin Spacey, Ray Romano and Kevin Nealon, took turns praising Bono's efforts, though none of their kind words matched those by comedian Drew Carey on the red carpet: "I'm so glad that God sent Bono down to save us from our sins," he joked. "Do you want to see my wristband? It says, 'What would Bono do?' He's like Christ, I'm telling you. He's like Christ and Bob Dylan rolled into one."

Former President Bill Clinton and Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger came close to Carey's flattery with their comments in congratulatory videos, the latter noting, "I remember when you started your thing up for the third-world debt, a lot of people said, 'Why don't you just leave this job to the professionals and you get on with your own life?' But I suppose you've got to remember that it was the professionals that built the Titanic and the amateurs that built the ark."

When he finally took the stage to receive the Heart of Entertainment Award, Bono laughed off the praise, saying, "Right down the hall from beatification comes crucifixion, so I'd better enjoy this."

Bono also joked about being a "pain in the arse" to U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill and President George W. Bush's administration because of his efforts to convince U.S. lawmakers drop the debt owed by the world's poorest countries.

The U2 singer used the podium to preach his causes as well, noting that 28 million HIV-positive people in sub-Saharan Africa would leave behind 100 million AIDS orphans by the end of the decade. "This is probably the greatest threat to humanity that the world has seen really since the bubonic plague took out about a third of Europe in the Middle Ages," he said.

The United States, especially the creative minds in Hollywood who have sold the concept of the American Dream to the world, can make a difference Bono said.

"Eight million people die every year for the price of going out with your friends to the movies and buying an ice cream," he said. "Literally for about $30 a head per year, you could save 8 million lives. Isn't that extraordinary? Preventable disease — not calamity, not famine, nothing like that — preventable disease, just for the lack of medicines. That is a bargain."

"Love Rocks" ended with an encore performance of the U2 anthem "One" by R.E.M. with Stipe and Bono sharing vocals. Near the end of the number, which appeared to be unrehearsed, the vocalists turned the microphone toward the capacity crowd to sing the song's chorus: "One life/ But we're not the same/ We get to carry each other/ Carry each other."

No Doubt's three-song set earlier in the evening included their current hit, "Hey Baby," and "Simple Kind of Life." R.E.M. also played their recent "Imitation of Life" and the classic "Losing My Religion," which earned enormous applause, particularly during guitarist Peter Buck's mandolin solos.

Newcomer Reese opened the show, and R&B singer Lauryn Hill also performed, singing and playing acoustic guitar on two new tracks, including one Tracy Chapman-like tune called "Social Drugs." Hill missed a few chords and apologized, but the crowd cheered her honesty.

Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst, Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora, Evan and Jaron, Jane's Addiction's Dave Navarro, Carmen Electra, Quincy Jones, Sean Penn, Robin Wright Penn, Heather Graham and Shannon Elizabeth were among the stars in attendance.

"Love Rocks" also served as the launch of the 60-year-old EIF's National Cardiovascular Research Initiative, which will donate $3 million to battling cardiovascular disease.

All weekend on Kiss 108 – win free tickets to see No Doubt on April 15 at the Tsongas Arena. Tickets went on sale Friday, February 15. The show has sold out, but you can still win 'em free on Kiss. ... more

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All weekend on Kiss 108 – win free tickets to see No Doubt on April 15 at the Tsongas Arena.

Tickets went on sale Friday, February 15.
The show has sold out, but you can still win 'em free on Kiss.

But girls, remember, when you get your tickets, if you’re in the back, the boys’ll getcha.

Enrique Iglesias has claimed the UK Number One for the third consecutive week with 'Hero'.

Escape Iglesias holds-off a strong challenge from No Doubt, who are straight in at Number Two, with 'Hey Baby', one place ahead of Pink's 'Get The Party Started', which drops to Number Three.

Distinctive Assets, the company that put together this year's $16,000 (yes, that's apiece!) goody bag, even did something special for the elite. Stefani, who plans to marry Gavin Rossdale, is getting an engagement present — $5,000 worth of plates, glasses and bowls from Not Neutral, which makes unusual housewares.

Jackson, Spears, Alicia Keys and host Jon Stewart should feel great because they'll receive 10 complimentary massages and 20 personal training sessions with their Sports Club/LA membership.

And for every pair of diamond earrings, there's an essential, such as Lady Speed Stick deodorant and Tic Tac mints.

"We try to balance the over-the-top, ridiculous things with things they can use," says Lash Fary, whose company also does the gift baskets for the MTV Movie Awards, Tonys and Latin Grammys.

The foundation, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary representing the philanthropic activities of the entertainment industry, will also unveil its National Cardiovascular Research Initiative at the event. The program is designed to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S. The foundation will make a $3 million contribution to five leading cardiovascular centers and two patient outreach programs.

Bono has been a vocal advocate for Drop the Debt, an organization seeking to absolve Third World nations of their insurmountable debts to more wealthy countries. He also helped organize Artists Against AIDS Worldwide, which raised millions for AIDS charities via an all-star recording of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On."

As previously reported, Bono was among the attendees at last week's World Economic Forum in New York. He said he began meeting publicly with world leaders and attending conferences of policy-makers after discovering the mass media didn't want to hear him talk about those subjects. "I went to politicians because I couldn't get on TV," he said.

She commented: "We're not sure at this early stage if it has the weight to go to Number One, but we expect a Top Three entry." She added that Enrique Iglesias may be able to hold onto the top spot for a third week with his single 'Hero'.

THE RECORDING ARTISTS COALITION CONFIRMS LINE-UPS FOR "CONCERTS FOR ARTISTS RIGHTS";

FEBRUARY 26 SHOWS TO TAKE PLACE AT FOUR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA VENUES

Artists from various genres of music will come together to support the RECORDING ARTISTS COALITION's "Concerts For Artists Rights" to be held Tuesday, February 26 at four venues in the Southern California area.

The lineups are as follows:

THE EAGLES, BILLY JOEL, STEVIE NICKS, SHERYL CROW will perform at the Forum are on sale at all area Ticketmaster locations.

DIXIE CHICKS, TRISHA YEARWOOD, DWIGHT YOAKAM, EMMYLOU HARRIS will come together at the Universal Amphitheatre and tickets are on sale at the Universal Amphitheater box office and all area Ticketmaster locations.

NO DOUBT, THE OFFSPRING, WEEZER will appear at the Long Beach Arena. Tickets for this event are sold out.

BECK, EDDIE VEDDER and MIKE NESS will play the Wiltern and tickets are on sale at all area Ticketmaster locations.

Earlier this week (January 23), RAC and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO (AFTRA) and American Federation of Musicians (AFM) members converged on Sacramento calling on legislators to support Senate Bill 1246 (Murray), legislation to repeal California Labor Code Section 2855, subdivision B, because it unfairly excludes recording artists from the same protection of law afforded all other working persons in California who sign a personal services contract. They came together to repeal the amendment to the state's "seven-year" statute which amendment exempts musicians from the seven-year limit on entertainment contracts. RAC, AFTRA and AFM members--including Don Henley, Carole King, John Fogerty, Beck, Stevie Nicks, Ray Parker, Jr., Sheryl Crow, the Deftones, Paul Doucette (Matchbox Twenty), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Dexter Holland (Offspring) and Paul Almeida, President of the Department for Professional Employees of the AFL-CIO; John Connolly, President AFTRA; and John Russum, Executive Director AFTRA LA--met with legislators to discuss their support of SB 1246 (Murray). Joining them were Dick Gabriel, National Assistant to the President of American Federation of Musicians; representatives of the Hollywood Entertainment Labor Council; Tom Rankin, President, California Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO; Art Pulaski, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the California Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO; and Miguel Contreras, President, Los Angeles County Labor Federation.

Instead he'll be at home with wife Nina anticipating the birth of the couple's first child, according to an Interscope Records spokesperson. Young will miss "Friday Night Super Bowl Bash," which airs on CBS Friday (February 1); "The Tailgate Party," a pregame show on Fox on Sunday; and MTV's "Mardi Gras 2002," which is being taped Tuesday to air February 16.