The Rolling Stones have cancelled their planned concert in the Australian city of Perth after the death of the fashion designer L'Wren Scott, the longtime girlfriend of frontman Mick Jagger.
The 49-year-old model and designer, who had been dating the Rolling Stones frontman since 2001, was apparently found hanged at a New York apartment.
Frontier Touring, the promoter of the band’s world tour, posted a message on its Facebook site to confirm a concert in Perth tomorrow will not go ahead.
Speculation had mounted about the future of the tour following news of Scott’s death, with the band due to perform six dates in Australia and New Zealand over the next three weeks.
Jagger and bandmates Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts landed in Perth yesterday in their private jet, emblazoned with the famous tongue and lips logo. A spokeswoman for the Perth Airport said the aircraft remained on the tarmac.
Tributes have poured in for the model, as it emerged her British fashion company had been losing millions of pounds.
Her body was discovered yesterday morning at the property in Manhattan and it is understood that police do not suspect foul play.
A spokesman for Jagger said: “He is completely shocked and devastated by the news.”
Accounts filed with Companies House in October show Scott’s British company, LS Fashion Ltd, was running at a loss of more than £3.5 million in 2012, up from more than £2.5 million the previous year. The documents also show the firm owed more than a million pounds, despite having assets totalling a similar amount.
The Rolling Stones had flown to Australia yesterday ahead of a performance at the Perth Arena, which had been scheduled to take place tomorrow.
Three days ago they had played a show at the grand ballroom of Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, rounding off the Asian dates of their 14 On Fire tour.
Scott designed stage outfits for notable performances by the Stones at Glastonbury Festival and Hyde Park in recent years.
Jagger was in the audience when Scott showcased her collection in her debut London fashion show last year.
Scott, who was originally called Luann Bambrough but changed her name to launch her modelling career in her teens, was brought up in Utah as a Mormon.
She worked in Paris for a number of years, with the likes of Thierry Mugler and Karl Lagerfeld, then went on to return to the US as a stylist. The designer was a wardrobe consultant for films such as Eyes Wide Shut and Ocean’s Thirteen.
She met Jagger (70), when she worked as a stylist on a photo shoot. She launched her fashion line in 2006 with fans of her work said to include Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Kidman and Michelle Obama, and she has also designed for Banana Republic.
As news broke of her death, tributes from the world of fashion and showbusiness flooded on to Twitter.
Bianca Jagger, one of Jagger’s former wives, tweeted: “Heartbroken to learn of the loss of the lovely and talented L’Wren Scott. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. May she rest in peace.”
Fashion designer Marc Jacobs wrote: “Rest in peace, L’Wren Scott. You’ll forever be missed.”
Pop band Duran Duran added: “Such sad news. Our condolences are with L’Wren’s family and friends.”
Model Daisy Lowe tweeted: “What a loss to the world. Such an inspired woman. She dressed the feminine form unlike any other.”
Entertainer Bette Midler wrote: “Just got news of the beautiful L’wren Scott’s death perhaps by her own hand. I am devastated. A rare, wonderful, talented soul. Goodbye.”
And actress Emmy Rossum tweeted: “So sad to hear of the death of L’Wren Scott. What a beautiful woman and an incredible designer”.
A spokesman for the British Fashion Council said: "We are deeply saddened at the news of L'Wren Scott's tragic death.
“She was an iconic woman who inspired so many, and a designer whose contributions to the fashion industry were both extraordinary and unique.
“She will leave behind an exceptional legacy however we are so incredibly proud to have had her in our midst. At this sad time our thoughts are with her friends and family.”
A spokeswoman for New York City Police Department said a 49-year-old female was found unconscious yesterday morning at 200 11th Avenue.
“She was pronounced dead on arrival by the emergency medical services,” the spokeswoman said. “The investigation is ongoing. We are awaiting medical examiners to determine the cause of death.”
A spokesman for Scott said: “We confirm the tragic death of L’Wren Scott. At this devastating time for Ms Scott’s family and friends, we request that their privacy be respected. There will be no further public statement for the time-being.”
PA/Reuters