Los Angeles, July 23 (DPA) Some of the biggest legends in the history of rock music are to perform together in a pair of special concerts marking the 25th anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it was announced Wednesday.

Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Paul Simon are to come together for the October shows at New York's Madison Square Gardens, together with Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Metallica and other yet-to-be-announced acts.

The concerts will trace the history of rock and roll from soul to hard rock.

'These once-in-a-lifetime concerts are designed to celebrate the artists and their music,' said Jann S. Wenner, founder and editor of Rolling Stone and the event's executive producer.

Tickets go on sale to the general public Aug 3.