Stars To Play Free Gig At Virginia Tech

Rockers John Mayer, Nas and Dave Matthews Band are to play a free concert at Virginia Tech in September, to help the university's students begin the academic year positively following April's campus massacre.

Thirty-two people were shot dead at the Blacksburg, Virginia university when student Seung-Hui Cho staged a rampage, before killing himself.

Mayer, Nas, Dave Matthews Band and country star Phil Vassar have agreed to waive their fees for the free September gig, which is being financed by sponsorship deals.

Dave Matthews Band drummer Carter Beauford says, "We have a profound respect for the incredible resolve and unwavering sense of hope the university community has shown, and are honoured to have the opportunity to share this evening with Virginia Tech."