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Rolling Stones headline concert for SARS

The Rolling Stones are in town for Toronto Rocks, the biggest concert in Canadian history. "It's a fantastic buzz," says Mick Jagger when asked backstage about performing in front of half a million people. The Stones are the final act in an all-star lineup that includes Sam Roberts, Justin Timberlake, AC/DC, the Guess Who and Rush.

Organizers of the historic concert hope to revive Toronto's tourism industry, which has been battered by the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). When asked why the Stones interrupted their European tour to take part in "SARSstock," guitarist Keith Richards replies in a mock-deep voice: "because we love you."

Rolling Stones headline concert for SARS

• SARS is a viral respiratory illness that was recognized as a global threat in March 2003. It first appeared in southern China in November 2002.
• SARS can be fatal if not treated. Symptoms include high fever, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, confusion, rash and diarrhea.
• On March 25, 2003, SARS became a reportable, virulent, communicable disease in Ontario.

• On April 23, 2003, the World Health Organization warned against all unnecessary travel to Toronto due to SARS. The WHO lifted the travel advisory against Toronto on April 30, 2003.
• SARS killed a total of 44 Canadians in the Toronto area. Dr. Nestor Yanga died on Aug. 13, 2003. The 54-year-old physician was the first North American doctor and the last reported case of death due to SARS in Canada.

• According to the Canadian Tourism Association, cancellations due to SARS cost Ontario hoteliers $60 million for the month of April 2003.
• The travel advisory led to numerous concert cancellations including Elton John, Billy Joel, Hall & Oates and the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson.
• The Toronto Rocks concert broadcast received the highest number of single-day unique visitors to the CBC.ca website recorded at that time.

• The historic SARS benefit concert took place on July 30, 2003, at Downsview Park. The afternoon lineup included:
Jann Arden, Jim Belushi, Dan Aykroyd & Have Love Will Travel Revue, Sam Roberts, Kathleen Edwards, La Chicane, Tea Party, Flaming Lips, Sass Jordan with Jeff Healey, Isley Brothers and Blue Rodeo.
• Jim Belushi and Dan Aykroyd kicked off the evening lineup, followed by Justin Timberlake, the Guess Who, Rush and AC/DC, with the Rolling Stones capping off the night.

• Tickets for the SARS benefit concert were $21.50. The event was largely subsidized by corporate sponsors, federal government ($3.5 million) and the province of Ontario ($2 million).
• The average regular price for a Rolling Stones ticket in 2003 was around $200.
• The Rolling Stones have had a close affinity with Toronto. The boys chose Toronto to rehearse for their last three tours, saying it is one of their favourite cities.

• Many in attendance agreed that AC/DC, who performed just prior to the Rolling Stones, stole the show. One of the event's highlights was when guitarist Angus Young dropped his shorts to reveal a pair of maple leaf boxer shorts.
• The concert was reported by CNN, BBC and the New York Times but the major U.S. broadcasters — NBC, CBS, ABC and Fox — barely mentioned it.

• Despite being organized in only four weeks, Canada's biggest rock show went off without a hitch. According to data provided by Moneris Solutions, Canada's largest processor of credit- and debit-card transactions, the mega concert pumped more than $75-million into the Toronto economy. (The Globe and Mail, Aug. 7, 2003)

Rolling Stones headline concert for SARS

Medium: Television

Guest(s): Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ron Wood

Duration: 2:05

Last updated:
July 30, 2007