Will Barry Gibb headline the Mission Concert?

Barry Gibb is tipped to headline next year's Mission Concert. Photo / Supplied

A red-hot favourite for taking the Mission Concert stage in February has emerged: Barry Gibb.

Last Sunday, the founding member of the iconic Bee Gees announced he would be kicking off an international tour dubbed Barry Gibb Mythology - a tribute tour for his brothers Maurice and Robin, who have both passed away.

While the Mission promoters are still silent on who will headline the February 23 concert, a string of online rumours and opinions have emerged about the 66-year-old being the Napier star for 2013.

The Australian dates for the start of the tour fit in well with a possible flight across the Tasman to the Bay - which is what Rod Stewart did this year after appearing at several concerts in Australia.

Gibb and his band, which includes his son, guitarist and vocalist Stephen, and his brother Maurice's daughter Samantha, is set to kick off the tour on February 8 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Four nights later, he is down to play at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne and then in Brisbane on February 16.

The dates fit - the Mission is exactly one week later.

In making the announcement of his Australian concerts, Gibb said: "As the place where we started so many years ago, we have always viewed Australia as our home, so it is only fitting that we will be kicking off our Mythology tour there".

The tour announcement comes four months since the death of Robin Gibb - Maurice's twin - and will pay tribute to the success the three achieved in the music industry over five decades.

Gibb appears to stack up as the hottest on the rumour list, which also features Paul Simon, Paul McCartney and Fleetwood Mac.