People

EAGLES SETTING UP 'FINAL' TOUR

Although they might do as many stars have done, say "goodbye" repeatedly, the Eagles say their upcoming tour will be their last. The group has set up a slate of appearances for this summer, calling it the Farewell Tour. Interestingly, there actually is a Roman numeral "I" after the word "Farewell" in some of the promotional material. That would suggest that Messrs. Henley, Frey, Walsh and Schmit are leaving the door open for additional dates or another year of farewell touring. You might remember the award-winning group disbanded in the 1980s and was on hiatus for more than 10 years. The group got back together in 1994 for a non-amplified MTV concert with the inventive title "Hell Freezes Over." An album followed. According to Billboard magazine, it sold nearly 8 million copies. The Eagles first farewell appearance will be in mid-May in Sunrise, Fla. Then it's off to Atlanta, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia and Boston, in mid-July. Other dates may be added.

MAILER ADMITS HE'S BEEN A BAD BOY

American literary icon Norman Mailer now admits he might have hurt his career because of his personal antics. The New York Post says Mailer, in a recent interview, noted he was in far too many barroom brawls over the years. He was also involved in the near-fatal stabbing of his second wife. Additionally, he made two well-publicized but unsuccessful bids for the Big Apple mayor's chair. The publication says Mailer, now 80, admits he could have distanced himself from "serious critics" by his non-literary activities. He went so far as to state fellow authors Updike, Roth and Bellow "aren't in the papers all the time."

RISING EDWARDS VISITS DAVE AGAIN

Look for meteoric country singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards on "The Late Show with David Letterman" again. The program tells media Edwards has been asked to make her second appearance on the popular show because of the positive reaction from her first appearance. She'll be backed up by guitarist Colin Cripps. The two will perform "Hockey Skates." That's one of the tracks from her fast-selling new CD "Failer." Edwards' initial trip to "Letterman" was in mid-January.

ENTERTAINERS TAKE OUT ANTI-WAR AD

Several dozen artists from various aspects of the music world have gone on record opposing a military attack on Iraq. Under the name Musicians United to Win Without War, the entertainers signed their names on a huge ad that ran in the New York Times this week. Among those signing were: Busta Rhymes, Rosanne Cash, Jagged Edge, Emmylou Harris, Daniel Johns, Christian Machado, the Kronos Quartet, Lucinda Williams, Bryce Wilson and the Youngbloods. A total of 42 musicians signed off on the project. Ten others were involved in the planning though their names were not on the ad. The campaign was founded by the former leader of the Talking Heads, David Byrne, and rap guru Russell Simmons.

STARS HELPING RAISE CHARITY FUNDS ... AGAIN

Many country stars have signed up to help raise money in the annual Nashville Sizzlin' Country fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis. Among those who will headline the May 20 event are Deana Carter, Diamond Rio and Darryl Worley. It will be the ninth time groups of stars have pitched in for the cause. The soiree will not be held in Nashville, though, but in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. There will be a lot attention focused on country music that week. The night following the CF fundraiser the Academy of Country Music Awards will be held. Gibson Guitar Chairman Henry Juszkiewicz will be honored for his humanitarian efforts. Over the years the fundraisers have brought in more than a half-million dollars to fight cystic fibrosis.

KENDALL GOES TO TOP FOR HELP

When Jeannie Kendall found some partially completed tracks of her late father's music she went to Alan Jackson for help in finishing the CD. Kendall's father was Royce. The father-daughter duo performed for years as The Kendalls. A quarter of a century ago they scored a Grammy for their No. 1 hit "Heaven's Just a Sin Away." Jackson was enlisted to help finish the project the two were working on at the time of the elder Kendall's death. Also helping out are Alison Krauss, Allison Moorer and Rhonda Vincent. Some of her father's singing will be heard. There are a few "harmony tracks" Kendall recorded prior to his death. Several of the singers who were enlisted to finish the project told country.com they had been singing along with the Kendalls on the radio for years and it was fun to do it for real.

UPI DAILY SURVEY QUESTION NO. 535

In light of the death of Fred Rogers, here is today's question: "What are your memories of Mr. Rogers and his shows?" Put FRED in the subject line and send to [email protected] via the Internet.

RESULTS OF QUESTION NO. 530 (RESOLUTIONS)

Last week we asked if you had actually kept any of your New Year's resolutions. From our usual quick dip in to the e-mail inbox, here is what we found:

-- Only 10 percent of respondents noted they had remained faithful to their resolutions. CarlB is among several who said they had organized their home or office and managed to keep it clean.

None noted they were still on a diet.

NEXT: More of your thoughts. GBA