The four-piece guitar band, who are Sunderland fans, have a long association with the football club, having previously graced the Stadium of Light in May 2005, performing a live set prior to the final game of the 2004-05 season, as the Black Cats lifted The Championship trophy.

Their top 20 single Beginning of the Twist is blasted out before every home game as Sunderlands players walk out onto the pitch and is instantly recognisable amongst the clubs loyal following. Although The Futurehead’s recently released album ‘Rant’ sported an acapella sound, this summer show will be a full band electric set.

The group met at City of Sunderland College, playing their first gigat Ashbrooke Cricket and Rugby Club in December 2000. They also performed at BBC Radio One’s One Big Weekend, which was held in Sunderland in May 2005.

Singer and band founder Barry Hyde said: I’m absolutely over the moon to be supporting the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Stadium of Light. The Stadium is an icon of the city and playing there will be a thrill and a joy.

SAFC commercial director Gary Hutchinson said: This is the first time a local band has played a part in the concerts at the Stadium. To have The Futureheads supporting the Red Hot Chili Peppers is fantastic news for Sunderland and is testament to the strength of our regional music scene. The band are great friends of the football club and have a real connection with us, which Im sure will make their performance here at the Stadium of Light all the more special for everyone.

The Wombats

Their story so far charts a rocket-speed rise to indie stardom, from their days at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts to bagging themselves an NME award for ‘Best Dancefloor Filler’, The Wombats have soared to worldwide attention. Hits including ‘Moving to New York‘, ‘Let’s Dance to Joy Division‘ and ‘Tokyo (Vampires and Wolves)‘ from their gold and platinum albums are firm favourites and may well feature in their sets at these two exclusive 2012 UK dates for Red Hot Chili Peppers.

As previously annouced Red Hot Chili Peppers will also be joined by the totally bonkers Dizzee Rascal (Knebworth ONLY) and Reverend and the Makers.

23rd JUNE KNEBWORTH TICKETS

24th JUNE SUNDERLAND TICKETS

Whether you’re the kind of rock fan who is down at the front of the stage or the kind of fan who enjoys a little more luxury, the choice is now yours for RHCP’s Knebworth Park appearance. The grandstand location gives a great, elevated view of the stage with the added comfort of a seat. There are a very limited number of seats available so don’t delay if you want to secure one.

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HOTEL PACKAGES

Get yourself hotel and ticket package for the show. Hotels on offer include the Novotel at the entrance to Knebworth park, only a few minutes’ walk from the arena.

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Sheffield’s indie rock finest, Reverend and the Makers will open proceedings at both of these open air shows, which follow Red Hot Chili Peppers’ hugely successful sell out arena tour in 2011. Since crashn into the top ten with their single Heavyweight Champion of the World in 2007, Reverend and the Makers boast a plethora of hit singles and albums and have gone on to perform at some of the UK’s biggest festivals. Led by the ever-charismatic Jon McLure, their swaggering set is sure to be the perfect way to whip up the crowds at Knebworth Park and Sunderland Stadium of Light come June.

Also recently confirmed to perform with Red Hot Chili Peppers, as previously announced, at Knebworth Park ONLY, will be the chart-topping grime star, Dizzee Rascal. Further special guests are to be annouced at both venues.