The massive concert is not only aimed at revitalising the city's tourist industry, but is also seen as a way to say thank you to healthcare workers who battled the disease

The Rolling Stones are to play in front of around half-a-million fans in Toronto in a bid to bring tourists back to the city after the recent SARS outbreak.

The band, who are flying in from Europe especially for the gig, said in a statement: "“We’re looking forward to coming back to Toronto. We’ve rehearsed there for our last three tours and it is one of our very favourite cities.

"We’re really pleased to be part of an exciting event that will bring people back to Toronto."

The concert, dubbed SARSstock, will run for nearly twelve hours and will feature not only the Stones but also AC/DC, Justin Timberlake, The Flaming Lips and The Isley Brothers amongst the many acts appearing.

The massive concert is not only aimed at revitalising the city's tourist industry, but is also seen as a way to say thank you to healthcare workers who battled the disease.

Speculation has built that surprise guests may also pop up, with names such as Paul McCartney and Christina Aguilera - who is already in town as part of her tour with Timberlake - being mentioned.