The latest superstar to join the benefit brigade is Paul McCartney, who will stage a concert in New York next month to provide aid for the city's firefighters.

McCartney announced the benefit Friday morning (September 21) on New York radio station WPLJ. The specific date, location and ticket prices for the event are forthcoming, a McCartney publicist said. And McCartney has yet to announce which specific charities will receive the proceeds.

"I am going to do a concert here in New York within the next month to benefit all the firemen," he told WPLJ listeners. "I have a connection there because my father was a fireman in Liverpool during World War II."

The former Beatle was on an airport runway in New York on September 11 when two hijacked planes were flown into the World Trade Center, leveling both towers and killing thousands.

"I was actually on the tarmac when the pilot said it'd been closed down," McCartney said. "I was flying home in order to plan a concert that I was going to do in Russia in Red Square in October. But that doesn't seem appropriate now, so I've postponed that."

Although he was appalled by the destruction and loss of life, he was inspired by the way the city reacted to the tragedy.

"I was pleased to be here to witness all the heroism," McCartney said. "I'd like to say to all the people of New York, God bless everyone, and good luck to us all, and thanks to all of the heroes and heroines who've been helping with the situation."

This isn't McCartney's first connection with firefighters since his childhood. In 1993, he formed an electronic pop group called the Fireman along with Youth (ex-Orb, Killing Joke), and the next year the duo released the album Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest. They followed in 1998 with Rushes.

Driving Rain, McCartney's first album of original solo material since 1997's Flaming Pie, is scheduled for release November 13 (see "McCartney's Driving Rain Forecast For November").

For more information on and audience reaction to the attacks, including tips on how you can help, see "America Comes Together."