KISS is coming to Townsville thanks to the Palaszczuk Government

Published Friday, 26 February, 2021 at 12:20 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Innovation and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

The people of Townsville will be able to Rock and Roll All Nite this December, with the Palaszczuk Government this week inking a deal to bring rock legends KISS to Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the concert, scheduled for Saturday 4 December would be the last performance KISS would ever perform in Australia.

The Premier said the blockbuster fixture, combined with another performance in Brisbane would pump $4.5 million into the state’s economy, support up to 1000 jobs at the stadium and deliver flow-on benefits to local industries.

“Townsville – get ready to rock and roll all night,” the Premier said.

“KISS are one of the most recognisable bands in the world. We’re bringing them to North Queensland for their last ever show in Australia December.

“Major events are vital when it comes to rebuilding our economy. This concert will generate millions of dollars for local businesses and support local jobs which is exactly what we need in 2021.

“We’re only able to secure world class acts like this thanks to the way Queenslanders have managed our health response to COVID-19.

“While other jurisdictions continue to battle lockdowns and harsh restrictions, we’ve proven we’re able to deliver major events that will help to drive our economic recovery.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Townsville would host the band’s final show in Australia.

“For North Queenslanders of a certain vintage, KISS, with all the mythology around their trademark make up, helped influence the music of a generation,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Events and the jobs they support are crucial to Townsville’s Queensland’s economic recovery.

“KISS is the pioneer of blockbuster stadium events with a reputation for attracting both local and out-of-town audiences for a larger-than-life concert experience.

“And that means additional economic benefit for Townsville accommodation and transport providers, hotels and restaurants.

“Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium will be the last place in Australia you’ll be able to see KISS live-in-concert as the curtain comes down on a music act that has entertained billions over five decades.” 

Resources Minister and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart urged people to book a holiday in North Queensland this December.

“God Gave Rock ‘N’ Roll to You but the Premier gave KISS to Townsville,” he said.

“KISS will be one of the biggest acts to play in Australia in 2021.

“I urge Queenslanders and Aussies to book their tickets as soon as possible.

“If you’re a rock and roll fan, you’ll kick yourself if you miss out.

“With a world class stadium and some of the most relaxed restrictions on the planet, we have a huge opportunity to build on Townsville’s reputation as a world class host for major events.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said he hoped KISS would deliver another strong crowd for Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

“Pucker up for a great weekend on 4 December,” he said.

“We fought hard to deliver a stadium for Townsville that’s capable of hosting world class acts like KISS because we know how valuable these events are.

“This will be a boon for local businesses and great for local workers.”

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker welcomed today’s announcement.

“Queensland Country Bank Stadium is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure a government has delivered for Townsville in the last 20 years,” he said.

“Already it’s delivering for North Queensland – helping us secure one of the most well-known rock bands on the planet.

“We’ll continue to work hard to secure major acts that will help to rebuild the North Queensland economy.”

ENDS

Media contact:
Jack Harbour (Premier’s office) 0419 620 447
Darren Roberts (Minister Hinchliffe’s office) 0427 475 089