Free Toronto Stones Show a Go for July 30
TORONTO (Billboard) – A massive free Rolling Stones concert has been scheduled for July 30 in Toronto.
The outdoor show is aimed at giving the city an economic boost in the wake of the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak earlier in the year. Although the official announcement is expected Tuesday, a taped video message from the band due to be played during a press conference was shown to several local media outlets over the weekend.
“We’re happy to tell you that we’re coming to play on July 30 in a great concert for the people in the city of Toronto, to help bring back the energy to our favorite city,” Stones frontman Mick Jagger says in the message taped at the site of the Stones’ recent show in Munich.
The event will take place in the docklands area of the city, with the downtown skyline as a backdrop. It is estimated that 10 to 15 supporting acts will be announced.
The Stones show will be the second music event meant to repair the reputation of the Canadian city, which is reeling from the impact and stigma of SARS. On Saturday, 11 acts, including Sum 41, Avril Lavigne, Diana Krall, Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan and the Tragically Hip, performed during the Concert for Toronto at the Skydome and Air Canada Center.
SARS has resulted in several artists canceling or rescheduling appearances in Toronto in recent months, including Elton John and Billy Joel, Michelle Branch and Kelly Clarkson. The mysterious disease is responsible for 38 deaths in the greater Toronto area.
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