Beastie Boys tour tells swing states to Get Out and Vote

Hip-hop rockers the Beastie Boys are getting political with the three-city Get Out and Vote Tour. The pre-Election Day jaunt swings through three swing states, starting in Virginia on October 28 before wrapping with November 1-2 concerts in Minnesota and Wisconsin, respectively.

Adam Yauch (MCA), Adam Horovitz (Ad Rock) and Michael Diamond (Mike D) announced the trek and their endorsement of Barack Obama via an early morning e-mail on October 10, according to published reports. “This election is too important to stay at home,” the trio stated, adding that they are “very excited about Obama.”

Each night of the tour features an eclectic lineup, catering to a wide audience of swing state voters. The first night features the politically active Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson and Norah Jones fresh off their Bridge School Benefit performances, as well as up-and-coming singer Santogold. Singer-songwriter Ben Harper and novelty rockers Tenacious D have signed on for both November shows, with Crosby & Nash joining the closing night lineup.

“We hope that you can come out, have a nice night, dance, sing, get your freak on, and then wake up the next morning and get everyone that you possibly can to get out and vote,” the Beastie Boys explained in the announcement.

Beastie Boys itinerary:
(Dates and lineup subject to change.)