By PATRICK WALTERS
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITERS
PHILADELPHIA -- Two of the biggest forces in rock music over the last 20 years were plugging in the amplifiers Friday to kick off a high-volume effort to oust President Bush on Nov. 2.
Bruce Springsteen and R.E.M. brought a dose of music and politics to the Wachovia Center, starting a 10-day series of "Vote For Change" shows in battleground states. With a long list of high-profile artists from across the generational divide, the concerts will raise money for efforts to defeat Bush and other Republicans in next month's elections.
The Philadelphia show was one of six "Vote For Change" concerts scheduled across Pennsylvania on Friday night. On the other end of the state, the Dixie Chicks and James Taylor were to perform in Pittsburgh, with other concerts in Erie, State College, Reading and Wilkes-Barre.
Springsteen and R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe took the stage to cheers Friday to introduce the first band, Bright Eyes, and also reminded the crowd of the importance of voting Nov. 2.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/apmusic_story.asp?category=1403&slug=Music%20Vote%20For%20Change