this was in local Geelong paper today :
Rolling Stones gather support
Mick Jagger
Friday, January 6
Daniel Breen
CITY Hall has contacted the The Rolling Stones' management in a bid to lure the iconic band to Geelong.
The international supergroup is expected to tour Australia in April but with football commitments ruling the MCG or Melbourne's Telstra Dome, Geelong Mayor Peter McMullin said Skilled Stadium was more than capable of housing The Rolling Stones' Victorian fans.
He said council officers had contacted Rolling Stones Bigger Bang tour promoter Paul Dainty to offer the city's services.
``We have contacted the Stones' promoters, there has been no decision about whether they will tour Australia but we have indicated to them that Skilled Stadium is a significant venue, with its capacity and proximity to Melbourne,'' Mr McMullin said.
``As the managers of Skilled Stadium, we have made it very clear that we would be keen to discuss with them the question of whether they are coming to Australia. If they are, we'll make it clear that Geelong is a very good place for a concert.''
Geelong made a habit of hosting big acts during 2005, with international artists Joe Cocker and Kelly Clarkson delighting the region's music lovers during their brief stopovers.
Cr McMullin said Geelong was equally capable of hosting the ageing but hugely popular British rockers and the council would do everything it could to land one of the biggest events in the city's history.
``I think this is an opportunity that we shouldn't let pass and we'll do everything we can to get a favourable outcome,'' he said.
The band last visited Australia during their 2003 Forty Licks tour.
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