[Jesse Joe]

"Moncton has really become the entertainment capital of Atlantic Canada. There are some weak imitators out there but where other cities in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island try to do the same thing, Moncton really is a concert destination of Atlantic Canada. There are people here from Nova Scotia and P.E.I. and Newfoundland and we welcome them with open arms."
Graham said New Brunswick's strategy is different from other provinces because it has been funding infrastructure on the site rather than subsidizing the payment for the bands themselves. He said that pays off by having a permanent concert site that can be improved upon year after year and become a turnkey operation for promoters, which cuts the financial risk and improves the planning process.
"The Nova Scotia government and P.E.I. government are subsidizing the acts but that does not leave a lasting legacy. Our government is investing in the infrastructure and the bands have to stand on their own to generate the revenue.
"In these challenging economic times, we should not be underwriting the paycheque for the bands, we should be investing in infrastructure that encourages the bands to come here, and that's what separates New Brunswick from other jurisdictions.
"These are investments that count. I'm so exited that we're going to have up to 30,000 people here to see Bon Jovi and we're going to have the best concert in Atlantic Canada with AC/DC later in the summer. It just goes to show that the critical investments in the infrastructure are what bring the bands here. Whenever I travel with my colleagues, I'm proud to say that the Rolling Stones, The Eagles and now AC/DC have played in Moncton."
Ian Fowler, general manager of Recreation, Parks, Tourism and Culture for the City of Moncton, praised the efforts of city staff for putting the event together.
Hudon wouldn't speculate on who might be coming to the Hill next year, since his production company is deep in planning for the AC/DC show on Aug. 6