Rock legends to perform Hall of Fame concerts

Bruce Springsteen is surrounded by fans as he performs during the halftime show of the NFL's Super Bowl XLIII football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Tampa, Florida, February 1, 2009.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Bruce Springsteen, U2, Paul Simon and other rock legends will come together for two concerts in October to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The concerts on October 29 and 30 at New York City's Madison Square Garden will trace the history of rock and roll, from soul to hard rock, and also feature Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Metallica, with guest stars and collaborations promised.

Simon and Garfunkel will grace the stage together, as will 1970s staples Crosby, Stills Nash & Friends.

Proceeds from the concerts will help raise money for a permanent endowment for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and Museum which was founded by Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun.

"Twenty-five years ago ... Ahmet Ertegun created this foundation to recognize and celebrate the music and careers of artists whose music helped shape and define our generation," said Jann Wenner, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. "These once-in-a-lifetime concerts are designed to celebrate the artists and their music."

Tickets go on sale to the general public on August 3.

(Reporting by Edward McAllister)