TWO rocks bands will perform on the same stage for the first time since Live Aid at the latest big-name show at a County Durham stadium.

Simple Minds and The Pretenders will be joined by singer KT Tunstall for the gig at the Emirates Stadium in Chester-le-Street in August.

The riverside stadium, which is the home of Durham County Cricket Club, has staged several big-name concerts in recent years, including Rod Stewart, Tom Jones, Bryan Adams and Little Mix.

The show is part of the Grandslam 2018 tour and will be at the stadium on August 19.

Promoter Liz Doogan-Hobbs MBE, chief executive of of LHG Live said: “Grandslam 2018 with Simple Minds, The Pretenders and KT Tunstall is going to be the standout ticket of the summer.

“This is a unique musical moment. Let’s take a minute to recognise just how unique. These three artists never disappoint; for decades Simple Minds and The Pretenders have been delighting fans across the world and with KT Tunstall joining them as their very special guest, fans in Durham and the wider area are certainly in for a treat!

“Three amazing artists with superb pedigrees and an arsenal of hits, what a great summer!”

Simple Minds will be releasing their 17th album “Walk Between Worlds” in February ahead of the tour and will be performing some of their new music as well as classic tracks, including Don’t You (Forget About Me) and Alive & Kicking, Promised You A Miracle and Glittering Prize, Waterfront and Sanctify Yourself.

The Scottish band, who have had six number one albums in the UK, have sold more than 70 million records worldwide since they formed in 1977.

Lead singer Jim Kerr said: “When we started Simple Minds, our objective was to be considered as one of the great live bands. A band that had the desire to go all around the world – playing everywhere and anywhere.

“That challenge is ongoing, and we will relish touring all over the UK next summer, getting up close to so many who have supported us over the years.”

They will be performing alongside The Pretenders, who will be playing music from the band’s latest album “Alone” which was released in October.

When they take to the stage in Chester-le-Street, the English-American group, which was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame in 2005, will also be playing a number of their hits from over the years, like Stop your Sobbing, Brass In Pocket, Talk of the Town, I Go To Sleep, Back on the Chain Gang, 2000 Miles and I’ll Stand By You.

Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall will also be joining them on stage.

The Brit winner and Mercury prize nominated singer is known for her hits, including Black Horse and the Cherry Tree and Suddenly I See.