PEARL JAM - ROCKERS DEMAND NEW ORLEANS AID

R.E.M. and PEARL JAM are among a string of rock bands calling for action to help rebuild New Orleans.
The stars have signed a petition demanding U.S. presidential hopefuls John MCCain and Barack Obama hold a debate on hurricane recovery and restoring Louisiana's coastal wetlands.
Other rockers backing the campaign include Allen Toussaint, Trent Reznor, Jackson Browne, and My Morning Jacket.
The proposed debate is being organised by executives at websites Google and YouTube. Neither MCCain nor Obama had agreed to take part as WENN went to press.