Tix to Jay-Z's 9/11 benefit sell out

NEW YORK, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Tickets to rapper and music producer Jay-Z's Sept. 11 charity concert in New York sold out in 15 minutes Tuesday, Live Nation said.

The proceeds of Friday's show at Madison Square Garden are intended to go to the New York Police & Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund.

The concert coincides with the 8th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, which left more than 3,000 dead, including hundreds of police personnel and firefighters.

"I'm a native New Yorker and the strength and resiliency of New Yorkers makes me proud. This was my chance to do something for the great city of New York and help create more awareness of the New York Police & Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund," Jay-Z said in a statement.

The show, which is being produced by Live Nation, will be aired live in its entirety, commercial-free Friday on Fuse TV.

"Today's sell-out, in less than 15 minutes, is the 8th MSG sell-out in Jay-Z's career, with three of those sell-outs in 2008 ranking among the top 10 grosses of all time for the historic venue," Live Nation said in a release Tuesday.

"Today also marks the release of Jay-Z's new album, 'The Blueprint 3' on Roc Nation, which is a follow-up to 'The Blueprint,' which was released on Sept. 11, 2001. Jay-Z will also kick off a college arena tour Oct. 9 at Penn State with tickets going on sale beginning Friday."