MILLENNIUM STADIUM TO HOST THE ROLLING STONES
The 22 nation, 32 gig tour will kick off at Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium on Saturday, 27 May next year and have its finale at the Millennium Stadium in front of 50,000+ fans on Tuesday, 29 August.
“This is a huge coup for the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff and Wales. To have the closing event in the Stones’ European tour will mean Cardiff will experience one hell of a party on 29 August, 2006,” said Millennium Stadium chief executive Paul Sergeant.
“This concert will further underline the Millennium Stadium as one of the ‘must play’ venues for the world’s major bands and completes a fantastic 12 months for us at the stadium.
“The eyes of the world were watching when we raised £1.6m with the Tsunami Relief Cardiff concert in January and, since then, U2 and REM have played here and we still have Oasis to come before Christmas.
“While we were disappointed not to get one of the Robbie Williams dates recently, being one of only four UK venues to host the Rolling Stones more than makes up for it.
“It will be the first time the Stones have played in Cardiff since their ‘Steel Wheel’ tour brought them to the old Cardiff Arms Park in 1990 and we will be making their return an all-seater event for the first time at the stadium.
“Instead of free-standing on the pitch area, we will be installing more than 10,000 seats to ensure the biggest possible attendance for their last event. It means we will be able to have more than 50,000 fans at the concert.
“When you think that cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh and Newcastle aren’t among the UK venues for the tour, and that Wembley Stadium, the traditional home of Stones tours, is the only venue in London, it proves we have something special to offer at the Millennium Stadium.
“With our new dividing curtain installed we have the ability to cater for anything from a 10,000 concert right up to the 50,000+ we will have next year to see the Rolling Stones. And, of course, we have the roof to guarantee dry conditions.
“If Cardiff Arms Park provided the Welsh capital with a major sporting arena, the Millennium Stadium has turned Cardiff into one of the major sporting capitals of the world. It is also one of the most versatile arenas around and is developing a major music reputation.”
The Rolling Stones made their first appearance in Cardiff at the old Sophia gardens pavilion on 11 September, 1964. They played two gigs at The Capitol, in Queen’s Street, in September 1965 and again in October 1966.
They were due to play both Cardiff and Pembroke Castles in September, 1973, but the concerts were cancelled. Their last visit to Wales was to the Arms Park on 16 July, 1990.
For Official Tour Information, Fan Club Memberships, Exclusive Merchandise and more, visit: www.rollingstones.com
