It is starting to sound like the Canadian SARS concert where the Stones were on again--off again until they ultimately played the show. But the Stones say this time the show will go on as well. Rolling Stones tour director Michael Cohl issued a statement that said in part, “We have received the deposit money from Hong Kong and the band's lawyers have a signed contract having concluded negotiations last week.” 

That’s a strange turn of events given that the Hong Kong promoters announced last Friday that the negotiations had broken down and the group wouldn’t perform. 

Cohl continued, "This will be the first time in their 40-year history that The Rolling Stones have performed in Hong Kong and they look forward being part of the 'Harbourfest' festival."

The series of weekend festivals kick off on Oct 17th and run through November 9th. Much like the Canadian SARS concert, this festival series was initiated to help the city overcome the deadly SARS outbreak that ravaged the city earlier this year. 

If the Stones do prevail and show up they are set to headline two arena shows on Nov. 7 and 9, with expected audiences of 13,000 for each appearance. 

Neil Young, Prince, Westlife and Carlos Santana are also scheduled to appear during the festival series. 

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