POP/ROCK - April 6, 1988

Atlantic Records turns 40 in May, but the 10-hour birthday bash planned by Atlantic and the Entertainment Co. of America should dispel any illusions that the record label’s over the hill. “Atlantic Records--Fortieth Anniversary: It’s Only Rock & Roll,” a music marathon to be held May 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York, will feature past and present Atlantic artists--some of the biggest names in the business. Like their label, most of the scheduled rockers are either nearing or past 40 themselves: Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Peter Townshend, Roger Daltrey, Phil Collins, Laura Branigan, the Manhattan Transfer and possibly Led Zeppelin (in reunion). Home Box Office will broadcast live for four of the 10 hours, with highlights from earlier performances. Proceeds from the $50-to-$1,000-a-ticket event will go toward establishing the Atlantic Records Foundation, a newly formed umbrella organization created to distribute funds to charities, many of which were chosen by artists appearing in the show.