Fozzy

WWE wrestling legend and new Dancing With The Stars contestant Chris Jericho will be coming to Knebworth House this summer after his metal band Fozzy were confirmed for the 2011 Sonisphere Festival.

AS a pro wrestler, Chris Jericho needs little introduction.

Famed for signature moves The Walls of Jericho and The Lionsault, he’s faced – and beaten – the best in the business over the past 20 years, including Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin on the same night.

One of the most popular names in wrestling, the Canadian-American became the first ever undisputed champion of WWF in 2001 and is the only performer to have held six different titles in the 48-year history of what is now called World Wrestling Entertainment.

Aside from his numerous achievements in the ring, Jericho is also an actor, television personality, writer (his new book Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps is already on the UK hard cover bestseller list), radio host and, perhaps least known outside the metal fraternity, a bona fide rock star.

And it is in this final guise that the 40-year-old son of former National Hockey League star Ted Irvine will smack down at Knebworth House this July for the UK leg of the touring Sonisphere Festival.

His rock band, Fozzy, will perform alongside metal titans Slipknot and the recently reunited original Limp Bizkit line-up on the final day of the music bash on Sunday, July 10.

Wrestling and rock have a long, intertwined history – just think of the loud, pumping music the wrestlers enter the arena to.

And it was this natural partnership that led to Jericho teaming up with Stuck Mojo guitarist Rich Ward to create Fozzy.

As lead singer for the heavy metal band, Jericho is delighted to be on the same bill as thrash’s legendary Big 4 – Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax.

“To be playing on the same festival as Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax is literally a dream come true,” said Jericho.

“What’s even better, is that we get to do it in England, which is like our second home, and show the UK how much we appreciate their loyalty and support.”

No strangers to these shores, Knebworth will be Fozzy’s third trip to the UK in the past year, after the group’s sold-out tours in March and October 2010 to support Chasing the Grail, their fourth studio album.

With the likes of Motörhead and metal pioneers Diamond Head also on the Knebworth poster, the Fozzy frontman added: “This is sure to be the biggest festival of the summer, and we are stoked to dominate and destroy the masses in full Fozzy fashion, and as only Fozzy can do – we’re coming to spread the Fozzpel!”

Before then though, Jericho will be swapping both his spandex wrestling gear and hard rock leathers for something a little more sophisticated – in the ballroom!

For the multi-talented performer has just been confirmed for the next series of Dancing With The Stars, America’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, being partnered with two-time champion Cheryl Burke.

On Twitter, Jericho tweeted last week: “With Fozzy at Sonisphere and the DWTS announcement it was a HUGE day for Team Jericho! As always I’m gonna do my best to dominate each one..”

You wouldn’t bet against him achieving that either.