Former Beatle hinted on mission downunder

SURPRISE: Next year's Mission Concert date has been confirmed as February 15. But the headline act has not been named yet. PHOTO/FILE

Growing speculation that one of the driving forces of the Beatles may be looking at heading downunder as part of an extensive world tour early next year is adding spice to the Mission Concert rumour mill.

Sir Paul McCartney has been playing a string of concerts across the United States in recent months and has six dates booked as part of a Japanese tour this month.

The announcement of the Japanese tour sparked a flurry of rumours within the Australian media that Sir Paul could be eyeing up a summer tour further south into the Pacific.

The Japanese concerts are part of his "Out There" world tour.

Some writers have suggested that a 2014 tour of Australia would be appropriate because it would be 50 years since the Beatles toured there in 1964. The Beatles also toured New Zealand in 1964.

As has been the case in the past, the Mission Concert organisers have gone for major acts that have embarked on Australian tours - which was the case for the most recent acts Rod Stewart and Barry Gibb.

Sir Paul has been touring to not only celebrate 50 years but also to promote his recently released album New and a single Queenie Eye.

Rumours had been swirling that he might look at a downunder tour after the Japanese one, one Australian music writer wrote.

The former Beatle has not toured Australia since 1993.

Critics have acclaimed the "Out There" concerts, which comprise a three-hour set of new songs as well as old favourites.

The Mission Concert date was confirmed this week as February 15.

The artist announcement and ticket details were set to be announced "very soon" according to Sport and Entertainment director of operations Garry Craft.

No comment was being made as to whether the artist would be male or female, a duo, trio or group, or where the act hailed from.

The only word was that it could be "a bit of a surprise".

Other widely rumoured contenders for the headline spot are Bryan Ferry, Annie Lennox and Cher.