Organizers for the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, in a move that’s unusual, have chosen Paul McCartney as the headliner for the first night of the three day event.

The annual indie rock festival, which is known for having an edgy lineup, will also have The Cure and The Killers on the main stage as headliners. The festival will be held April 17-19 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA. Coachella made its debut there in 1999. This year’s festival will include over 130 acts performing.

Other artists confirmed for the event include Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio, Thievery Corporation, Mystic Valley Band, Conor Oberst, Leonard Cohen, My Bloody Valentine, Franz Ferdinand, Amy Winehouse and Morrissey.

According to the event’s press release, the performance by McCartney will be his first time to appear at a US festival. His set will be featuring a live debut of “Electric Arguments” material, which is his new album that was released under the alias Fireman that McCartney shares with musician and producer Youth.

In his statement McCartney said, I have heard Coachella is a great festival, one of the best in the world. I’m very excited about going there to rock.

McCartney’s participation was questioned by the Los Angeles Times. The newspaper wondered if the festival’s credibility as a cutting edge event would be hurt by McCartney headlining there. However Paul Tollett, mastermind of Coachella, doesn’t appear to be worried about it.

Tollett replied saying, he’s a Beatle. It’s huge. He also added that the main stage is ignored by a large number of returning customers anyway. Also Madonna was included at the event in 2006.

On January 30 tickets went on sale for Coachella through Ticketmaster outlets. The cost for a three day weekend pass is $269 plus facility and charity fees. Single day tickets cost $99 plus fees. Goldenvoice, festival promoter, for the very first time is offering a few three day package layaway plans. Coachella’s website contains all the details.