Veteran British rocker Rod Stewart kicked off his New Zealand concerts last night with a greatest hits performance in Dunedin.
He's the first of three major acts playing at Forsyth Barr Stadium this year, and strong ticket sales have impressed promoters.
There was a spring in the step of Stewart as he entertained 25,000 southern fans last night.
It's the biggest turnout Forsyth Barr Stadium has seen for a touring act since Elton John played there in 2011.
"The first question promoters say is, 'Are you going to sell tickets? Are we going to make money?' And what we've done now with Rod and certainly with Fleetwood," says Dunedin Venues Management chief executive Terry Davies. "We've surprised the promoters."
The large crowd was a reward for promoter Frontier Touring, who had vowed to steer clear of the venue after clashes with previous management.
But founder Michael Gudinski expects more big acts to follow Stewart south.
"It's pretty spectacular," says Mr Gudinski. "You can set up something pretty big in here. But look, let's keep a lid on it. I think it's about the right artists at the right time."
He was one of three Australasian promoters meeting with stadium bosses last night.
Neil Diamond is due there in October, followed by Fleetwood Mac, whose concert sold out in less than an hour.
Sound issues are currently limiting capacity, with the stadium blocking off parts of the venue.
But the plastic roof does give some certainty to promoters.
"After the experience I went through with the second Eagles show in Cyclone Pam, thank God for the roof!" says Mr Gudinski.
It's another tick in favour of Dunedin's greenhouse.
"We're on the map," says Mr Davies. "Promoters are talking about content for 2016 now, aggressively with us. And I'm sure we'll deliver some really strong acts next year."
In the meantime Stewart is gearing up to rock Auckland for two shows from tomorrow night.
3 News
source: newshub archive
