Metallica
With two exciting announcements already made, Sonisphere 2011 - which takes place 8th - 10th July 2010 - can now reveal the remaining headliner for next summer’s festival, who will appear alongside Saturday night headliner Biffy Clyro and Sunday Festival closer Slipknot.
It is with immense pride and pleasure that we can confirm that Sonisphere will be bringing together Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax in the UK for the first time in history to headline the Friday night. Metallica drummer LARS ULRICH explains:
“As soon as the Big 4 gigs started rolling across Sonisphere Festivals in Eastern Europe last summer, we all felt we were part of something special. The vibe within the bands was more than anyone had anticipated and the vibe with the fans was so next level, it completely blew our minds . . . there was no way this should not happen again!!! So I am beyond psyched that the first Big 4 show in Western Europe will take place on the hallowed grounds of Knebworth, where so many unique and special gigs have happened over the years.”
Last summer saw the live debut of THE BIG 4 - as this collective of Thrash legends are commonly known - marking what was possibly the most significant event in the history of metal. Fans all over Europe could barely contain their excitement, as over 500,000 metalheads bore witness to the show they thought they’d never see.
THE BIG 4 fever did not stop at Europe, as fans the world over eagerly anticipated the possibility of seeing the historical show for themselves in their own countries. Such was the demand that a live cinecast of the Bulgarian show saw over 130,000 people turn out to local cinemas, with reports of mosh pits breaking out in movie theatres across the globe. The recently released DVD of the event, which features all four bands collaborating on a cover of Diamond Head’s “Am I Evil” as well as their individual sets, has only added fuel to the BIG 4 fire, with a frenzied demand for more performances in the countries not fortunate enough to play host last summer.
Now, Sonisphere brings the titanic combo of Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax to the UK for the very first time, at this exclusive performance at KNEBWORTH. The legends themselves declare their delight at taking the greatest metal show on earth back out on the road:
“There is simply no better venue for a European round two of the Big 4!!” Metallica’s LARS ULRICH begins. “Put your dancing shoes on, this is gonna be fun!”
“Always excited to do big 4 shows” says Slayer’s KERRY KING. “Now England is in line to be devastated by this heavy metal powerhouse! Can’t Fucking wait!!!”
Megadeth mainman DAVE MUSTAINE states; “The Big Four Concerts are the most important, most exciting event to happen in the history of live concerts in our genre, and perhaps the entire music industry. I am glad to be a part of this enormous celebration of thrash, speed, and good ole heavy metal!”
“OH YEAH!!!” proclaims Anthrax drummer CHARLIE BENANTE. “Here we Come England! The Big 4 BABY! Can't wait to Get Metal Thrashing Mad for you Thrashers!”
Anthrax bandmate, guitarist SCOTT IAN concurs “Merry early Xmas present for us... more BIG 4 shows!!! The shows we did together with our brothers in Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth were not only the high point of 2010, but also some of the best shows Anthrax have ever played. Getting to share this with our friends in the UK will be amazing”.
Sonisphere Knebworth takes place 8th - 10th July 2011. For tickets and more info go to www.Sonispherefestivals.com
Headliners:
Friday:
THE BIG 4 - Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax
Saturday:
Biffy Clyro
Sunday:
Slipknot
Tagged in Sonisphere