Rolling Stones to play in Australia

SYDNEY - The Rolling Stones will play a gig at the 70,000-capacity Adelaide Oval, the band announced Wednesday, with more Australian dates expected to be revealed.

The legendary British rock group - which last year marked its 50th anniversary together - said the "50 and Counting" tour would visit Adelaide on March 22, after a series of concerts earlier this year in Britain, France, the United States and Canada.

"The Rolling Stones confirm their long awaited return to the stage in Australia with a spectacular show. The date, unveiled today, is Saturday 22 March 2014," promoter Frontier Touring said on its website.

"Can't wait to be back in Australia after all this time & what a buzz to be the first to play at the Adelaide Oval!" band frontman Mick Jagger tweeted moments after the announcement.

Guitarist Ronnie Wood also tweeted, saying: "Excited to be heading to Australia in March 2014 to open the Adelaide Oval with @RollingStones".

Former Stones guitarist Mick Taylor, a member of the band from 1969 to 1974 who played on such classic albums as "Exile on Main Street," "Sticky Fingers" and "It's Only Rock 'n Roll", will join them as a special guest.

Dates in Melbourne and Sydney are also expected to be announced.

The band last toured Australia in 2006, 41 years after first playing Down Under.