AAAAAAAAARGH! Sonisphere is back in a big way.
Metal fans wailed and gnashed their teeth last year when the festival was cancelled and fist-pumped the air when bosses announced it would be returning just in time to mark Knebworth’s 40th anniversary of live concerts.
Excitement has built to epic proportions over the last few months as the amazing line-up for this year’s three-day spectacular on July 4-6 has been tantalisingly revealed.
The Prodigy will headline Friday with a back catalogue stretching back to 1990 and guests Limp Bizkit.
Heavyweights Iron Maiden will be Saturday’s headliners and lead singer Bruce Dickinson, who is a qualified pilot, will also be part of The Great War Display Team and take part in a dogfight over the stunning estate.
He says: “We all grew up in England well aware of the importance of the legendary concerts at Knebworth, and scarily it all seems quite recent.
“Without being clichéd, it really is an honour and privilege to return to play there with the purpose of celebrating some of the finest moments in British rock history from inspirational bands like Pink Floyd, The Who, Zeppelin, The Stones and Genesis.”
Sunday will see thrash gods Metallica tear up the stage, following a rip-roaring set at Glastonbury and there is plenty to check out as well as the big three.
Our pick of the things not to miss is below.
Full line-up at www.sonisphere.co.uk
Snow Patrol guitarist Nathan Connolly has stepped away from headlining major venues to unleash his inner rock beast and front harder-edged rock band Little Matador. See if they’re up to scratch.
This is kind of a big deal for Hemel Hempstead band Scholars, who have supported Twin Atlantic, Pure Love and Hundred Reasons.
Glastonbury schmastonbury. The only place to see Metallica really let loose this summer is Sonisphere. If these thrash metallers don’t get you head banging then you’re probably dead.
In Sweden even grannies know the name of Dregen AKA Andreas Tyrone Svensson, guitarist with The Hellacopters and Backyard Babies, who released his debut solo album last year.
The Prodigy really don’t need an introduction. Just go see them headline on Friday or you’ll regret it.
Ladies are a rarity on stage at Sonisphere and The Lounge Kittens were added to the line-up after being introduced to bosses by none other than Fred Durst himself.
Rockney pop duo Chas and Dave have released their first studio album in 18 years and are back on tour. Fans are in a frenzy.
Not only are Iron Maiden headining Saturday but lead singer Bruce Dickinson will take to the skies as part of a team of professional pilots for a spectacular ‘dogfight’ marking 100 years since The Great War.
This Sonisphere is extra special as Knebworth is marking 40 years of awesome live music music. Don’t miss a rocking exhibition of memorabilia charting its history.
Watford hardcore punk band Gallows had a major shake when lead singer Frank Carter left in 2011 labelling them a ‘f****** mess’. Wade MacNeil, formerly of Alexisonfire, took his place.
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