Rock at Manoel Island

Music concerts, which sprinkled this summer's calendar of events, could serve as a new niche to attract tourists to the island, Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said.

"The events this summer have been numerous - Eros Ramazzotti, the World Music Festival, the upcoming Jazz Festival and now the Malta Classic Rock Festival. All these concerts can entice tourists to combine a holiday with the event," he said.

Dr Zammit Dimech was yesterday speaking at the Royal Malta Yacht Club at Manoel Island, where the first Malta Classic Rock Festival was officially launched.

Nigel Camilleri, for NnG Promotions, said that there had been huge interest in the festival from abroad and over 300 foreigners had already booked their tickets.

This festival, which includes an excellent line-up of rock legends, is being held on July 31 and August 1 at Manoel Island.

It is being jointly organised by Where's Everybody?, NnG Promotions and the Midi Consortium.

The first night of the festival, which will kick start at about 7.30 p.m., will see one of Malta's popular bands Winter Moods pave the way for Marillion's ex-singer Fish and former Supertramp front man Roger Hodgson. Fish has an avid fan-base in Malta, due to his former days with progressive rock band Marillion. Author of songs like Kayleigh and Lavender, the Scotsman has continued the theatrical flair of Marillion's quasi-concept albums.

Roger Hodgson, the band's co-founder, singer and songwriter, will also treat Supertramp fans to a concert. Hodgson left Supertramp to mount a solo career, issuing his debut effort In the Eye of the Storm in 1984.

On the second night, Beangrowers, one of the island's finest exports, will be the first on stage, followed by rock legend Jethro Tull and Steve Hackett, who will be performing classic Genesis with his band.

Jethro Tull's mix of hard rock, folk melodies and blues has helped them sell 60 million albums. Fronted by flautist/guitarist/singer and songwriter Ian Anderson, the group has carved a place all of its own in popular music.

This will be Steve Hackett's second visit to Malta, after his acoustic concert at the Manoel Theatre in October 2002. This time his gig will be targeted at the masses and Genesis fans will have something to smile about, as his concert will feature several tracks of the legendary group.

Lou Bondì, on behalf of Where's Everybody?, said that classic rock was witnessing a revival around the globe and he expressed the hope this festival would become an annual event.

Dr Camilleri said that each musician will play a full set of about two hours, giving fans a good run for their money.

Midi Consortium marketing executive Carmen Camilleri Ciantar said that Lm2 million was being pumped into the restoration of Manoel Island and she hoped these events would inject new life into the area.

The area where the concert will be held can take up to 5,000 people standing and the organisers are hoping it will be a success.

Tickets, which cost Lm15 for one night and Lm25 for two nights, go on sale on Tuesday and are available from Exotique outlets. Doors open at 7 p.m.

For more information call the ticket hotline 7900-7625 or send an e-mail to NnG Promotions at: info@nngpromotions.com.