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July 12, 2008

JUL 12: VH1 ROCK HONORS & STARRY NIGHT GALA: MUSICAL ROYALTY DESCENDS ON LOS ANGELES IN GREATEST 1 DAY LINEUP OF ROCK/POP PERFORMANCES IN LA HISTORY

LA music fans, today is your lucky day. The number of A-list rock/pop bands playing on this date could be the greatest single-day collection in Los Angeles history.

For starters, The Who will get their due. VH1 is dedicating their annual tributefest to the seminal UK rock band. VH1 pays homage to the band in the network's third annual "VH1 Rock Honors" -- a celebration of artists who now represent the pinnacle of rock music. As a result of The Who's revolutionary influence on rock music, this will be the first "VH1 Rock Honors" that salutes just one band.

The event tapes in Los Angeles today at Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus (301 Westwood Plaza). Starting around 8pm, the lineup of bands paying their musical respects is incredible: PEARL JAM, FOO FIGHTERS, THE FLAMING LIPS, TENACIOUS D, INCUBUS and THE WHO themselves are all scheduled to be there. The "VH1 Rock Honors" show will then premiere July 17 at 9pm on VH1, VH1 Classic and MHD. The Who will be celebrated with a two hour tribute that will salute their music and lasting impact. Their influence will be felt through spoken tributes, filmed packages and performances. More info on the VH1 website.

But that's not all, folks. There is ANOTHER incredible musical event that takes place today, July 12th, as the Grammy Foundation presents their annual Starry Night gala starting at 6pm on the USC campus (McCarthy Quad). The tribute dinner and concert honors famed Beatles producer George Martin, with an amazing roster of musical legends set to perform, including America (the other huge band that Sir George produced), Tom Jones, Jimmy Webb (singer/songwriter extraordinaire), Burt Bacharach, Michael McDonald, Natalie Cole, Jeff Beck and more. VIP arrivals begin at 6pm, with dinner at 730, followed by award presentation and performances around 9pm.

I know some of you may be asking: can I do both events? Catch all of these stellar acts? Well, that may be tough to do, since the concert times are not far apart. If you simply must try, and you somehow got tix to both events, we suggest going to UCLA first for the first few VH1 Rock Honors bands starting at 8pm, then hightail it to USC since that musical show will probably not start until 915 or 930 -- and with so many acts scheduled to pay tribute to George Martin, you could still catch quite a few. But the better advice is to pick only one event. Tickets to VH1 Rock Honors were still for sale on Craigslist as of Saturday afternoon, and Starry Night is almost certainly the tougher ticket to obtain at this point. If you like your rock/pop a little harder edged, and want a better chance of getting a last minute ticket, the VH1 event seems the one to choose. (Perhaps Pauley Pavilion patrons can possibly provide a pass for purchase? Perfect!)

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