The line-up has a retro feel with the groups to be joined by fellow '80s bands The Church (Sydney) and The Models (Melbourne), at Bimbadgen Winery on Saturday, December 8.

Simple Minds last visited the Hunter in 2007 when they played with INXS.

Devo, whose last Australian tour was in 2008, has never played in the region.

The four-group line-up will open the 12th summer of A Day on The Green concerts across the country and mark more than 300 shows, which have attracted more than 2 million people.

Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, Simple Minds achieved worldwide popularity from the mid 1980s to early 1990s with hits such as Don't You (Forget About Me), Promised You A Miracle and Love Song.

Frontman Jim Kerr said Australia held a very special place in the heart of Simple Minds.

"It was the first country anywhere in the world to embrace our music and we have wonderful memories of the tours we've done," he said.

"We're extremely excited about playing in Australia again."

American group Devo's pioneering sound and philosophy had a profound effect on the new wave movement.

With hits like Whip It and Girl U Want, and accompanying revolutionary music videos, the group became one of the defining acts of the 1980s.

Devo released their first album in 20 years in 2010 and are about to tour the US with Blondie.

The Day On The Green concerts are part of a national Australian tour by Simple Minds and Devo later this year.

Tickets are on sale on Monday, July 2, through ticketmaster.