The Red Hot Chili Peppers have been confirmed to headline the 2013 Big Day Out.

The Killers,  Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend and the Bloody Beetroots lead the international roll call of artists for the revamped major festival which kicks off in Sydney on January 18.

The Chili Peppers will not be playing side shows during the Big Day Out tour.

"We have a special place in our hearts for Australia. We've been coming there for 20 years now,  "Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith said."Our bassist Flea, Michael Balzary, is a Melbourne-born boy, so it's always fun when we hit his hometown. The whole country is just about warmth and love and wonderful hospitality."

Heading the local artists to star on the bill is Australia's breakthrough rapper 360 and Grinspoon.

Big Day Out cofounder Ken West enlisted American promoters C3 Presents after splitting with his longtime partner Vivian Lees before the 2012 festival.

He said the new-look event would return to the festival's early ethos of showcasing emerging acts alongside big-name alternative bands.

"We can't reinvent the wheel in a year but I think the line-up is great and the punters will have a high-quality, fresh experience," he said."Getting the Chili Peppers to headline was pivotal in allowing us to build the show."

>> Pre-sale tickets are available at General Pants stores this morning with the general sale from Thursday from 7pm via bigdayout.com for $165.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS  
THE KILLERS  
YEAH YEAH YEAHS  
VAMPIRE WEEKEND  
BAND OF HORSES  
THE BLOODY BEETROOTS LIVE  
KASKADE
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE  
B.o.B
SLEIGH BELLS
FOALS  
ALABAMA SHAKES
360
CRYSTAL CASTLES  
PRETTY LIGHTS
OFF!
GRINSPOON  
AGAINST ME!
GARY CLARK JR  
NICKY ROMERO
MORGAN PAGE
LOGO
EVERY TIME I DIE
DELTA SPIRIT  
CHILDISH GAMBINO  
ME
HUNTING GROUNDS  
JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD
DEATH GRIPS  
ADVENTURE CLUB
JAGWAR MA  
HOUSE VS HURRICANE  
AVALANCHE CITY
TOUCAN
HELENA
NINA LAS VEGAS
SAMPOLOGY

BIg Day Out 2013
Friday 18 January  – SYDNEY - Showgrounds
Sunday 20 January  - GOLD COAST - Parklands 
Friday 25 January  – ADELAIDE - Showground 
Saturday 26 January  – MELBOURNE - Flemington Racecourse 
Monday 28 January   - PERTH - Claremont Showgrounds

NEW CAIRNS.COM.AU COMMENT POLICY
We welcome your comments on this story. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Comments submitted without a full name and suburb/location will not be considered for publication. Please read our full comment policy and publication guidelines.

Share this article