Odds & Ends: U2, Volunteer Jam, Nickelback, Holy Ship!

With “iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE” tour dates across the U.S. and Europe sold out, U2 is satisfying demand in the Big Apple by booking an eighth show at Madison Square Garden July 31.  

Previously announced engagements at The Garden are scheduled July 18-19, July 22-23, July 26-27 and July 30. You won’t want to wait to get tickets because the band says this is the final gig planned at MSG. Not only that, but the July 31 concert is the last stop in North America before U2 heads to Europe.   

Tickets for the July 31 show go on sale March 13 at 10 a.m. Visit U2.com for more info.  

Charlie Daniels is really doing it big for the 40th anniversary of his “Volunteer Jam.” Alabama, Lee Greenwood, Phil Vassar, The Grascals, Ryan Weaver have just been added to the lineup that’s already packed with big names.

Plus, the Aug. 12 event at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena will now include a secondary stage outside the venue for attendees to enjoy even more music. Expect these performers, some of which will also play the main stage, to be revealed soon.

Previously announced artists include Trace Adkins, Ted Nugent, Travis Tritt, Billy Rae Cyrus, Colt Fort, Montgomery Gentry, The Kentucky Headhunters, Tracy Lawrence, Craig Morgan, Michael W. Smith, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Outlaws and Lee Roy Parnell. Your hosts are Sean Hannity and Storme Warren.

Another batch of tickets has been released and are available now. Proceeds benefit The Journey Home Project, which connects donors to veterans organizations to assist with health care, education and career needs. Daniels is the chairman of the board of the non-profit organization.

Nickleback won’t be taking the stage in Minneapolis tonight. The band also called off Thursday’s show in Omaha, Neb.

An announcement on the act’s website says the dates are being postponed because of a family emergency. The Minneapolis gig at the Target Center will now take place July 25. The Omaha show at CenturyLink Center is now scheduled July 28. Tickets will be honored at the new date.

Visit Nickelback.com for more info.

Holy Ship! had such a blast putting on two cruises in 2015 that it’s bringing double the fun in 2016.

Mark you calendar for Jan 3-6 and Feb. 10-13. Both cruises set sail from Miami on the MSC Divina. The January excursion will make its way to Coco Bay Bahamas while the February adventure has Grand Bahama Island on the agenda. Of course, you can expect a full day at sea on each cruise with pool parties, DJ sets and activities along with pre- and post-cruise parties.

Lineups will be revealed in the coming months. In the meantime, you can pre-book your spot on Holy Ship! starting March 10. Presale passwords have already been emailed to previous Holy Ship! cruisers, who get first priority. The general onsale begins March 12 at 12 p.m. EST – that is, if any pre-books remain.

The 2015 editions of Holy Ship! hosted performances from Knife Party, Pretty Lights, Flume, Boys Noize, A-Trak, RL Grime, Skrillex, Fatboy Slim, Bauuer, DJ Snake, Basement Jaxx (DJ set), Ty Dolla $ign, DJ Mustard and more. Click here for more details.