Kaiser Chiefs to headline World Cup opener between England and Samoa

The world renowned Kaiser Chiefs will be the headline music act for the Rugby League World Cup opening ceremony.

Taking place before the tournament’s opening game between England and Samoa at St James’ Park in Newcastle, the indie rock band from Leeds will headline what promises to be a festival of rugby league in the North East.

The multiple Brit Award winning band will perform on the pitch at the home of Newcastle United just before the opening fixture of the tournament which kicks-off at 2.30pm.

With an amazing back catalogue of seven albums, including the Brit Award winning ‘Employment’, the Yorkshire quintet will complete a set of huge sing-along anthems as the biggest, best and most inclusive World Cup gets underway.

Throughout the day there will be various fan experiences taking place in and around Newcastle city centre to create the ultimate opening day party, including the Fan Village on the Quayside and the unique Cultural Festival, which gives fans the chance to see a full story being told via various performances throughout the city centre.

RLWC2021 are encouraging ticket holders to be in their seats at least 30mins before kick-off, with events on the pitch starting at 2pm with the unveiling of giant flags set by military personnel, who will also bring in large replica trophies to create a stunning spectacle as the atmosphere builds.

The Kaiser Chiefs will then take to the stage and perform whilst 32 flag barriers representing each nation across all three tournaments will take to the pitch.

Just before kick-off, we’ll then see the official Tournament Welcome event begin with the three RLWC trophies being brought into the stadium by six individuals who represent different elements of the sport and tournament values.

Kaiser Chiefs told the RLWC website: “All of us are huge sport fans so playing in front of a massive crowd at such an iconic stadium will be an honour. St James’ Park will be absolutely rocking and we’re there to ensure that when those players walk out onto that pitch, every single person in that stadium will be up for one of the biggest sporting events in Rugby League history.”

RLWC2021 Revenue Director, Mick Hogan, added: “We’ve said all along that the opening game is going to be pretty special – and who better than the Kaiser Chiefs to get the party started in that stadium. The award-winning band has an amazing back catalogue, and I can’t wait to see a huge crowd in Newcastle singing along to what is sure to be a brilliant set.”