MUMBAI: International music stars  are supporting a social cause to raise awareness and funds for cancer research initiated by Live Nation Entertainment, Bravado International and City of Hope.

Lady Gaga, Madonna, John Lennon, JAY-Z, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, George Michael, Green Day, Shakira and more than 25 other top artists will inspire millions of fans and lend support for the research and treatment.

50-percent of the retail price from the sales of t-shirts from the artists official websites and CityofHopeShop.com will benefit research and treatment programs for cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS.

Live Nation Entertainment chairman Irving Azoff said, I'm a big believer in the power of music to connect and heal, I'm so grateful to the many artists and friends who are contributing to the unique �Hope, Love and Rock & Roll' merchandise program supporting City of Hope."

City of Hope MD chief medical officer Alexandra M Levine said, We are grateful for the support of these talented musical artists and rock n' roll merchandise companies, Live Nation Merchandise, Bravado International and FEA, which will help City of Hope raise awareness and funds for research to help patients and families who face a life-threatening disease....

The launch of the merchandising program is the latest in a history of music industry programs in support of City of Hope. Since its creation in 1973 by key music industry leaders, City of Hope's Music and Entertainment Industry Group has raised more than $96 million.

Featured artists in the program include:

Avenged Sevenfold

Avril Lavigne

Barbra Streisand

Eminem

George Michael

Green Day

JAY-Z

Jimmy Buffett

John Lennon

Journey

Justin Bieber

Kiss

Lady GaGa

Madonna

New Kids on the Block

Nickelback

No Doubt

Ozzy Osbourne

Rihanna

Rod Stewart

Shakira

Shania Twain

Slipknot

Stone Sour

Sublime

Sugarland

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

ZZ Top