Auckland misses out on Bowie gig

By BERNARD ORSMAN

British rock star David Bowie is giving Auckland a wide berth this summer to perform his only New Zealand show at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.

Bowie's Melbourne-based promoter Paul Dainty said the lack of a decent indoor or outdoor venue in Auckland, coupled with Wellington's aggressive pitch, ensured the February 14 concert went to the capital.

Mr Dainty said a large indoor arena would have made a big difference to attracting Bowie and numerous other international acts to Auckland.

Natalie Cole and Meatloaf are two acts to have skipped Auckland this year because of the lack of an indoor arena.

Mr Dainty said he could not see an indoor arena in Auckland in his lifetime after the failure by Auckland City Council to secure a deal with the Australian company Abigroup for a 12,500-seat venue at Quay Park.

David Bowie last performed in Auckland at Western Springs in 1987 on the Glass Spider tour.

This year's concert is part of a seven-month, 18-country A Reality Tour.

Up to 35,000 reserved tickets will go on sale on November 27.