With a line up already boasting Metallica, Linkin Park, Alice In Chains, Thin Lizzy and other rock greats, Sonisphere is proud to announce 4 more giants to this year’s festival line up at Knebworth.
Nine Inch Nails
It is truly an honour to confirm the return of Industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails to the UK at Sonisphere festival 2009. The recipients of an abundance of critical acclaim and a die-hard fanbase, NIN’s career has seen them skyrocket from underground cult heroes to international superstardom. Enigmatic mainman Trent Reznor is no stranger to the festival circuit, and his exclusive appearance at Knebworth this summer - which could be the last for some time - will have fans appetites whet with anticipation.
It has been widely reported that their current tour may be Nine Inch Nail’s last before an extended break. When originally announcing the tour, Trent stopped short of saying the band was going on something more than a hiatus. But Reznor confirmed these will be the last NIN shows for some time, and that they will be “much more raw, spontaneous and less scripted” compared to last year’s “Lights in the Sky” tour. “It’s time to make NIN disappear for a while,” he said. Where better to catch them before they do than the historic home of rock that is Knebworth! As if more incentive is needed, this is the only Sonisphere festival in Europe that NIN are playing and therefore the only chance to see them alongside Metallica.
It’s not often the title of Legend is bestowed upon a band, but it’s one Anthrax rightfully deserve. It is with great excitement that we can confirm these New York thrash titans will be bringing the noise to Knebworth this summer. Alongside Sonisphere partners Metallica, Anthrax are one of THE BIG FOUR who made Thrash Metal so hugely popular in the 80’s, and now in 2009 they will be bringing it back to Knebworth. Notable for being the first band to combine heavy metal with rap when they collaborated with Public Enemy, their appearance at Sonisphere promises to be fun, energetic, and full of Thrash hits.
Guitarist and all around Metal legend Scott Ian is suitably enthused: “We are really excited to be making our only UK appearance at Sonisphere. We've been anticipating our return to the UK and we are honored to be a part of this amazing lineup. It's also going to be Dan Nelson's first UK gig and what better way to show him off than on this show?! Leave it to Metallica to create what I will wager is going to be THE festival of the year. See you at Sonisphere and get ready for a full-on Anthrax attack!!!”
Next up, Aussie pub-rock heroes Airbourne will be coming up from Down Under to run wild at Knebworth with a dose of AC/DC style Hard Rock. It’s hard to fathom that in February of last year they’d put on their debut UK performance at London’s 275-capacity Borderline, and had ended 2008 with a 21 date UK tour culminating in two sold-out shows at London’s 2000 capacity Astoria.
"We are really excited to be rockin' Sonisphere 09 at such a classic venue as Knebworth House.” says the band. “We can't wait to get back to the UK again & we are honoured to be sharing the stage with the legendary Metallica. Stand up for Rock n' Roll!” Their only UK festival appearance this summer, Airbourne are the perfect band to enjoy the summer sun - just add cold beer.
Last, but by no means least, it is with great pleasure we announce that Industrial pioneers Killing Joke will be joining the aural assault at Knebworth this August. Sonisphere festival-goers will have the privilege of witnessing Jaz Coleman and his band of not so merry men mixing their unique blend of dance beats, world music and gothic rock that proved hugely influential throughout the 80’s and 90’s, inspiring bands such as Ministry, Nirvana and Sonisphere allies Nine Inch Nails and Metallica.
LINE UP SO FAR:
Metallica / Linkin Park / Airborne / Alice In Chains / Anthrax / Avenged Sevenfold / Bullet For My Valentine / Killing Joke / Lamb Of God / Machine Head / Mastodon / Nine Inch Nails / The Sword / Thin Lizzy