SAN FRANCISCO - MYSPACE on Monday will host a morale-building concert for coalition troops in Kuwait with an Internet-age twist by broadcasting the show on its popular social-networking website.

A MySpaceLive concert from a coalition base in Kuwait will be streamed in high definition video at http: myspace.com/operationmyspace beginning at 11am California time (3am Singapore time).

'For years troops stationed all over the world have utilized MySpace as a lifeline to communicate with their loved ones back home,' said Tom Anderson, co-founder of Internet firm which is now owned by News Corp.

'I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to thank them in person and bring along the entire MySpace community.' The event is billed as the largest MySpaceLive concert to date and will feature performances by the Pussycat Dolls, Jessica Simpson, Disturbed, Filter, and DJ Z-Trip. It will be hosted by comedian Carlos Mencia.

'It's truly an honour to perform for the troops,' Jessica Simpson said in a written release.

MySpace, the popular social-networking website, has become an online showcase for musicians, who make songs available on profile pages.

MySpace built on the trend by streaming live concerts and providing platforms for artists to promote and sell songs online. MySpace says that more than six million bands use its website.

The Kuwait coalition concert was inspired by shows faithfully delivered to overseas troops by actor and comedian Bob Hope, who died shortly after his 100th birthday in 2003.

'We were inspired by what Bob Hope used to do back in the day,' MySpace vice president of marketing and content Josh Brooks told AFP.

'He was devoted to doing things for the troops. We wanted to design a one-of-a-kind event as something special for troops serving in the Middle East.' MySpace said it is coordinating the show through the US Department of Defence and its Armed Forces Entertainment arm.

'This MySpaceLive concert is an exciting event because it communicates to our troops that people from all walks of life and from all types of companies support their service to our country,' deputy assistant secretary of defence Allison Barber said in a written statement.

'MySpace is a great medium to connect our military members and their families, who serve in 177 countries, to the folks back home.' -- AFP

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