Bon Jovi, Paisley perform in Gulf Shores

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GULF SHORES, Ala., Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Music stars Jon Bon Jovi and Brad Paisley performed weekend concerts in Gulf Shores, Ala., in an effort to entice tourists to return after BP massive oil spill.

Months after the 200 million-gallon spill in the Gulf of Mexico, local businesses are still struggling to recover from the economic impact of the disaster. This past weekend, tens of thousands of tourists headed to the beaches in Gulf Shores for two Concerts for the Coast events, said organizers Music Allies.

"It just goes to show you just how resilient the people of this coast are and how tough they are," Bon Jovi said at his gig Friday.

"It's been six months since the tragedy and here we are with a beach that does not look the least bit worse for wear. It's really beautiful and pristine," Paisley said Sunday. "We're here to let everybody know that the Gulf Coast is open for business. ... I would encourage everybody to get down here as quick as they can."

The Concerts for the Coast series kicked off with Jimmy Buffett & Friends: Live from the Gulf Coast July 11. Alan Jackson is to perform the last show of the year Oct. 30.

The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded April 20, killing 11 workers and wasn't plugged until July 15.