Aerosmith, James Taylor Headline Benefit Concert For Boston Bombing Victims

Aerosmith and James Taylor are set to perform in a benefit concert for victims of April’s Boston Marathon bombings.

The musical acts joined several others as well as a handful of comedians who will perform for the sold-out crowd. The concert, scheduled for Thursday at the TD Garden, sold out within minutes of going on sale May 6.

Other acts joining Aerosmith and James Taylor include Jimmy Buffett, New Kids on the Block, Jason Aldean, Boston, Extreme, Godsmack, The J. Geils Band, and Carole King. Comedians Dane Cook and Steven Wright will also perform.

Many of the acts, including New Kids on the Block and Aerosmith, hail from Boston.

“I find myself searching for words today,” said Donnie Wahlberg of New Kids on the Block, the group that organized the event, in announcing the concert [on May 3]. “We all feel compelled to fight back, to step up” after the attacks. “As artists, this is our way to do it.”

“Hopefully this event will not only raise money, but spirits as well,” he added.

James Taylor has already played in a benefit concert for one of the victims, Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus police officer Sean Collier. He was killed in a shootout with the bombing suspect three days after the initial attack.

The makeshift bombs that detonated near the finish line of the race caused massive damage, leaving hundreds injured. Many of the injuries were traumatic, as the bombs placed on the ground tore off limbs of those nearby. Estimates have put the total medical recovery costs at more than $10 million.

Proceeds from the concert featuring Aerosmith and James Taylor will benefit One Fund Boston, a fund started by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. Money raised will help victims recovering from their injuries as well as the families of the three people killed in the bombings.