2:50PM, Tue Apr 17, 2012

The Futureheads On Supporting the Red Hot Chili Peppers At Sunderland’s Stadium Of Light

By India Adams Location: Sunderland

Video: The Futureheads talk about their upcoming Stadium of Light gig

The Futureheads are heading home to Sunderland this summer, supporting music giants Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Stadium of Light.

Singer Barry Hyde said he is "absolutely over the moon" that he and his bandmates - who are all Sunderland fans - will be playing at the home of the Black Cats.

The four-piece band have a long association with the club, and played a live set prior to the final game of the 2004-05 season, as the Black Cats lifted The Championship trophy.

Their hit single Beginning of the Twist is already well-known to visitors to the Stadium of Light, at it is played before every home game as Sunderland's players walk out onto the pitch.

The band met at City of Sunderland College, playing their first gig at Ashbrooke Cricket and Rugby Club in 2000. They also performed at BBC Radio One's One Big Weekend in Sunderland in May 2005.

Barry Hyde said: "I'm absolutely over the moon that we will 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 for us."

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 I'm sure will make their performance here at the Stadium of Light all the more special for everyone."