Michael Stipe and REM took part in a Burma pro-democracy concert in 2005
REM frontman Michael Stipe is to headline a concert urging the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.

The event, Bring 'Em Home Now!, will take place at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom on 20 March, the third anniversary of the Iraq invasion.

Rufus Wainwright, Fischerspooner and Peaches are among the other acts expected to perform.

Anti-war protester Cindy Sheehan, who camped outside President Bush's Texas ranch, will speak at the concert.

Proceeds

Organisers of the benefit gig have said it will be followed by a tour of 15 US cities featuring Sheehan and a number of authors.

Casey Spooner of Fischerspooner said: "It is impossible not react to the current state of affairs through personal action and artistic production."

More performers are expected to be added to the line-up.

Proceeds from the concert will be donated to Veterans For Peace and Iraq Veterans Against The War.

Last June, REM took part in a Burma protest concert, dedicating their performance to the country's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Sheehan, whose son Casey was killed during the Iraq war in 2004, has become a leading figure in the campaign against US troops being stationed in the country.

In September she was arrested in Washington DC for taking part in an anti-war rally.
BBC