Stones roll for SARS-hit city

Hundreds of thousands of sun-drenched revellers gathered in Toronto today for an outdoor concert headlined by the Rolling Stones intended to show the world that Canada’s largest city is free of SARS and ready to rock.

More than 400,000 tickets were sold for the 11-hour show billed as one of North America’s largest ticketed events.

“We are so excited about coming to Toronto to play in front of such a huge number of people, with such an incredible lineup of talented singers and musicians,” said Mick Jagger.

“It’s going to be a great day for all of us and one we’ll never forget.”

Hundreds spent the night outside a former military airfield and rushed in when gates opened to be close to a huge stage surrounded by video screens.

“We’re bringing this city back,” said actor Jim Belushi, who joined master of ceremonies Dan Aykroyd for a set by their Have Love Will Travel Revue blues band. “We’re celebrating with music and it’s one of the most joyous and communal experiences.”

Jennie Gilstrap, 32, drove more than 600 miles from Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband and sister to add the show to their list of Stones concerts.

“We thought it would be nice to check out Canada – it’s our first time,” said Gilstrap, wearing mirrored shades and a white Stones T-shirt.

Organisers hope the concert will help revive tourism in Canada, particularly in Toronto, where two springtime outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome devastated the crucial industry.

Estimates put tourism losses in the hundreds of millions of pounds since the first SARS outbreak in March.