Will the Stones rock Dunedin next year?

Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger performs in Wellington in 2006. Photo / File photo

A Dunedin promoter is hoping to entice the Rolling Stones to Forsyth Barr Stadium for a concert next year.

Rob Fitzpatrick hopes sentimentality will see the group agree to a Dunedin benefit concert, and says a percentage of the proceeds will go to the Chair of Neurosurgery campaign.

"The Stones are doing their 50th anniversary tour in March and April next year and they have a lot of gratitude towards Dunedin,'' Mr Fitzpatrick said.

"When [Rolling Stones guitarist] Keith Richards was injured in Fiji in 2006, the first doctor to treat him was Dr John Fatiaki, who is a close friend of Dunedin doctor Brian McMahon, the chairman of the neurosurgery fundraising project, while the neurosurgeon who operated on Keith, Andrew Law, was trained in Dunedin."

In his 2010 autobiography, Life, Richards credited Mr Law with saving his life.

Mr Fitzpatrick worked in the music industry in Los Angeles from 1979-96, touring with artists such as Tina Turner and organising gigs for Dunedin bands the Clean, the Verlaines and the Chills.

"This is something that is very viable. It's a bone fide proposal, which would be a massive promotion for the Dunedin and the stadium.

"If we get the Stones here, it will become the first venue of choice for every big act coming to New Zealand,'' Mr Fitzpatrick said.

He will travel to Sydney next Tuesday to discuss the proposed concert with promoters. Australian promoter Rob Walker is already supportive.

"When Rob first mentioned his idea ... I immediately offered to assist," Mr Walker said.

"I am prepared to assist him in any way I can."

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull said it would be "wonderful" to have the group return to Dunedin after 47 years.

"I would love to see the Rolling Stones here. It would be great to have them in the stadium. I'd be one of the first in line to buy a ticket."

Dunedin Venues Management Ltd chief executive David Davies said the proposed concert was still very much on the drawing board.

"They're one of the top three bands in the world and every city is going to be competing for them. It would be fantastic to see them in the city, but these things are fraught with issues. If we can pull it off, it would be a major talking point."

The Rolling Stones last performed in New Zealand in 2006 at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.