McCartney rumoured, Black Eyed Peas confirmed for NZ

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney is rumoured to be taking the long and winding road to play NZ next year.

In the meantime, American R&B group Black Eyed Peas have been confirmed to play Wellington on October 8.

Several fan websites devoted to The Beatles and Sir Paul, one of the world's richest entertainers, have reported in recent days that he is expected to tour New Zealand and Australia next year.

Neither McCartney nor his representatives have announced tour plans. However Auckland-based promoter Manolo Echave - who is bringing Black Eyed Peas to Wellington - said though he was not involved in any tour by McCartney, he had heard that a New Zealand and Australia tour next year was possible.

Westpac Stadium, which had David Bowie in February, hopes to have big name overseas acts play in November and next March.

Stadium chief executive David Gray is in Australia until next Monday. A stadium spokeswoman said it was the first that they had heard about McCartney heading this way.

"It would be great if he was coming down under."

McCartney had planned to play Melbourne in 2002, but pulled out, citing the Bali bombings. Melbourne-based promoter Paul Dainty organised the concert and was instrumental in Bowie playing Westpac Stadium.

Dainty could not be reached for comment.

Black Eyed Peas will play at the Events Centre. Their single Where is the Love? was the second-biggest selling single in New Zealand last year. Tickets will go on sale on August 9.

- NZPA