George Michael announced as first play on Perth Arena, Symphonica Tour gig
British pop legend, George Michael will be the first act at the start of Australian leg of his Symphonica tour on the new Perth Arena. The singer will headline a special gala event to formally open the venue on November 10, according to PerthNow.
Australian Premier Colin Barnett revealed the news on Thursday, May 3rd and promised that the Perth Arena would be "a venue... of unrivalled quality." "West Australians deserve a state-of-the-art venue to attract international entertainment and sporting events to Western Australia and they are now finally about to get one," Mr Barnett also said. "Planning for the opening program continues but activities will include a free concert featuring bands from WA on Friday, November 2," he said. "The State Government will provide funding towards this event and it is proposed that an allocation of 500 double tickets be set aside for workers on the Perth Arena project."
However, the 15,500-capacity development has attracted some controversy as a result of construction delays, rising costs and changes to the design.
Michael has rescheduled several dates on his Symphonica tour for the autumn due to his health scare last year, and his management have confirmed today that he will return to Australia. The musician was forced to cancel a number of concerts when he contracted a life-threatening case of pneumonia.
Michael has announced that he will give away 1,000 tickets to medical staff in Vienna who he credits with saving his life.
The British-Irish boy band One Direction, made up of Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Harry Styles and Zayn Malik, will follow Michael with Australian shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
George Michael's - "Roxanne" Live at Symphonica Tour, Denmark:
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