Music Notes: Bono Thanks Helms

June 26 -- Who says rock stars can't be polite?

U2 lead singer Bono was so pleased that Sen. Jesse Helms took him up on his invite to attend one the of the band's recent concerts that he sent a personal thank-you note to the conservative politician.

"Hope you had fun at the concert," Bono wrote, according to The Associated Press. "We are really confusing the cynics with our friendship ... You are blessed, [and] I am to know you. Love, Bono."

The event was Helms' first rock concert. The North Carolina Republican said he enjoyed it, but found the music to be a bit too loud. His solution was to turn down his hearing aid.

Family Pop Tour

Most kids would cringe at the thought of bringing along their parents to their favorite concert.

Not 'N Sync.

Band member Joey Fatone has not only invited his dad along for the tour, he's hired him as the opening act.

Joey Fatone Sr. and his group, The Not So Boy Band, will perform with 'N Sync on select dates in July and august.

Bonnie Sings the Blues

Bonnie Raitt was doing her own jailhouse rock over the weekend.

She gave a free, two-hour concert for 2,000 inmates at California's San Quentin prison. The singer says she's lucky she can visit penitentiaries as a guest, given her own struggles with drug and alcohol addiction.

"I could've been too angry and if I had a gun in my hand instead of a telephone or a guitar, I'd be right in here," Raitt told The Associated Press.

Moreover

Mick Jagger reportedly is inviting Lenny Kravitz and Rob Thomas to perform on an upcoming solo album. … Don Henley and Elton John are teaming up for charity. They'll perform at Andre Agassi's Grand Slam for Children dinner in Las Vegas.

ABCNEWS Radio and ABCNEWS.com's Buck Wolf and Nancy Chandross contributed to this report.