The Rolling Stones have postponed their Australian tour following the death of frontman Mick Jagger’s long-time girlfriend L’Wren Scott.
The announcement was made via a statement posted on the British band’s official website on Wednesday morning.
The band was scheduled to play at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, in a grand opening of the redeveloped ground, but that concert – and the rest of the band’s dates – have been postponed indefinitely.
Infrastructure Minister Tom Koutsantonis told ABC radio this morning that South Australian taxpayers wouldn’t be out of pocket, as the $450,000 in government funds to bring out a huge outdoor stage for the concert would be recouped from the Stadium Management Authority (SMA).
SMA chief executive Andrew Daniels confirmed that the funds would be repaid and that the authority had insurance policies in place.
“As this is not going ahead, the Government will receive its money back,” he told FIVEaa.
He said the SMA was in discussions with the promoters and other parties across Australia about whether future dates “would be possible”. However, he added the concert couldn’t be rescheduled during the AFL season. In fact, the only window of opportunity this year would be in October.
The band’s statement reads: “The Rolling Stones are deeply sorry and disappointed to announce the postponement of the rest of their 14 On Fire tour of Australia and New Zealand following the death of L’Wren Scott.
“Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood wish to thank all of their fans for their support at this difficult time and hope that they will fully understand the reason for this announcement.
“The Rolling Stones are planning to reschedule these postponed shows at a later date.”
Ticket holders have been asked to hold on to their tickets until further notice as promoters schedule new dates for the tour.
Information will be made available via rollingstones.com and frontiertouring.com.
Frontier Touring said via social media today that “rescheduled dates are being presently worked on for The Rolling Stones ’14 On Fire’ Tour of Australia & New Zealand and will be announced as soon as possible”.
“In the meantime we ask ticket holders to hold on to their tickets until the new dates are announced. If the new dates are not suitable rest assured you will be able to secure a refund. Please note for ticket holders wishing an immediate refund, this option is now available to you via the ticketing agency you purchased from.”
Jagger was in Perth with his bandmates on Tuesday preparing for the Australasian leg of their world tour when he was told the 49-year-old fashion designer had been found dead in her Manhattan apartment.
Jagger and Scott had been together for 13 years.
Jagger shared his feelings about the loss in a message on Facebook overnight.
“I am still struggling to understand how my lover and best friend could end her life in this tragic way,” the 70-year-old wrote.
“We spent many wonderful years together and had made a great life for ourselves.
“She had great presence and her talent was much admired, not least by me.
“I have been touched by the tributes that people have paid to her, and also the personal messages of support that I have received.
“I will never forget her.”
Scott, who began an international modelling career after being discovered as a teenager in Utah, then became a Hollywood stylist before building a fashion design empire that branched out into selling handbags, eyeglasses and fragrances.
Scott’s company, however, was reportedly $US6 million ($A6.6 million) in debt.
Australian actress Nicole Kidman, who has an apartment in the same Chelsea building where Scott lived and where her body was found, was the designer’s most devoted A-List client.
Kidman regularly wore Scott designs to Oscar ceremonies and other red carpets.
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The postponed shows are:
March 19 – Perth Arena
March 22 – Adelaide Oval
March 25 – Sydney Allphones Arena
March 28 – Melbourne Rod Laver Arena
March 30 – Macedon Ranges Hanging Rock
April 2 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
April 5 – Auckland Mt Smart Stadium
– with AAP
