SYDNEY music fans are set to be treated to back-to-back concerts by some of the world’s biggest stars.

Bon Jovi will start the feast tomorrow, followed by Rage Against The Machine on Tuesday, Bjork on Wednesday, the Police on Thursday (supported by Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie) and the Big Day Out musical festival on Friday.

And then there’s the Country Music Festival in Tamworth, which is expected to attract celebrity guests including Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman.

It’s not just the fans who are getting a special treat.

Fergie said stars were clamouring to play in Sydney during summer because of their love for Australian audiences.

She said it was easily one of the popular places on the touring circuit for the world’s stars.

“I mean, why wouldn’t it be?” she said. “The people are wonderful, everyone’s so laid back and chill. The ambience is amazing - you know, who wouldn’t want to come here?”

It’s a far cry from the situation seven or eight years ago when major music acts were avoiding Australia because of concerns over the strength of the Aussie dollar and its distance from the rest of the world. These days it is a free-for-all for Australia’s promoters, who are signing up the biggest names in the world at a record rate.

Michael Gudinski’s company Frontier Touring is responsible for the Police tour in Australia, with the concerts considered one of the biggest coups of the year.
Source: The Sun-Herald