Satisfaction at last for HK revellers

THE Rolling Stones have been giving authorities in Hong Kong a headache as the city, ravaged this year by Sars, moves to stage a morale-boosting entertainment extravaganza.

The Harbourfest opens on Friday, with the ageing rock legends seemingly on board. Previously, the organisers said they had ditched the act. Now the Stones' tour director said the band would play.

'This will be the first time in their 40-year history that The Rolling Stones have performed in Hong Kong,' said Michael Cohl, adding that a deposit had been paid and a contract signed.

The Stones had been set to play two Hong Kong dates in March, but they cancelled after the killer flu hit the former colony.

The Sars outbreak forced Hong Kong into a recession in the first half of the year as trade slumped at shops and restaurants, and millions of tourists cancelled visits.