A group of musicians performing at the Big Day Out have had a grueling lead up to today’s event in Adelaide, with a 3000km motorbike ride from the Gold Coast.

Grinspoon frontman Phil Jamieson has led a pack of music identities and celebrities on the cycling trek, all to raise awareness of Headspace centres.

“We would draw awareness at these headspace centres that exist in these little towns and kids that might have issues with their feelings can go and get help,” Jamieson said.

The stars played gigs at a dozen towns along the journey to highlight mental illness and issues like suicide.

“Don’t think that you’re alone and know that whether or not you’re a rock star in a band or a small kid in Coonabarabran, or Swan Hill or Bendigo, we all have the same problems,” said Big Day Out CEO Adam Zammit.

“Go and get help, and there’s nothing wrong with that, and everyone deserves a better life,” Chris Joannou from Silverchair said.

Perfect conditions helped keep today’s crowd at the Wayville Showground in good spirits, with up to 17,000 people expected by tonight when headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Killers take the stage.