Van Halen, Billy Joel Set To Headline New April Festival

17 February 2013 | 4:06 pm | Staff Writer

The Stone Music Festival has been announced for Sydney's ANZ Stadium in April.

A new event is set to join the local festivalscape with Stone Music Festival being announced to take place at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney across the weekend of April 20 and 21.

Squarely aimed at a heritage music demographic, the festival's first release of artists includes two mainstays of the international stadium circuit: US rockers Van Halen and American musical icon Billy Joel.

Also announced for Saturday's bill with Van Halen are Kings Of Chaos, Richie Ramone and Buckcherry. Playing with Joel on the Sunday are Lifehouse and Illumination Road.

The festival appearances by Halen, Joel and KOC are billed as the acts' "only Australian performances".

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Stone Music's website also promises "a stellar line-up of legendary international and Australian acts" yet to be added to the bill. News.com.au today reported that "some reunited '90s chart toppers" are amongst the names to be added.

Tickets to Stone Music go on sale noon Thursday - registration for tickets is available now. Single day tickets and weekend passes will be available for the festival.

Festival organisers have revealed the new event is influenced by Australian '70s cult biker film Stone. The 1974 film about a murderous bikie gang was an influence on Mad Max, its cast featured Bill Hunter, Helen Morse and Gary MacDonald. The film's soundtrack featured the boogie stylings of Billy Green (Sanctuary, Doug Parkinson, Renee Geyer).  

Organisers also point out that "the timing of the Festival serves as a timely reminder of our fallen veterans in the lead up to ANZAC day. STONE Music Festival will pay homage to our fallen heroes by celebrating mateship, brotherhood and all things that make this country great while creating a brand new Aussie ANZAC tradition."