Rolling Stones cross NZ off the list

By RUSSELL BAILLIE

The Rolling Stones have snubbed New Zealand in their plans for a downunder tour early next year.

The veteran British rockers are going to Australia as part of their Licks tour, and will play four dates there in February and March.

But the band's promoter says that because New Zealand doesn't have an indoor venue able to hold 15,000 people, it will miss out.

The band's last appearance here, in 1995, was outdoors at Western Springs.

Two other stadium acts - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and Santana - have announced outdoor shows in Auckland in March.

Promoter Paul Dainty says the Australian tour is an indoor arena tour in 15,000-seat venues.

Because New Zealand didn't have any such venues, the Rolling Stones would not be coming here on what could be their last global jaunt.

The Stones play in Sydney on February 18 and 20 - at the intimate Enmore Theatre and the huge Superdome respectively - at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday February 25 and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Tuesday March 4.

Tickets go on sale through Ticketek Australia next Wednesday.