Sonisphere

Anthrax to slay ’em at Knebworth’s Sonisphere Festival again

By Alan Davies Sunday, December 13, 2009
3:41 PM

TWO bona fide thrash metal legends have been confirmed for next year’s Sonisphere Festival at Knebworth.

The crowd at Knebworth during Metallica's headline set

SLAYER and Anthrax – two of thrash metal’s ‘Big Four’ – will be making exclusive UK festival appearances at next year’s Sonisphere event in Knebworth.

BRIT Award winners Iron Maiden and Teutonic rockers Rammstein were this week confirmed as main headliners for the metal festival taking place within the grounds of Knebworth House from July 30 to August 1.

Alice Cooper will also close the Friday night’s proceedings on the Saturn stage.

And an already stellar supporting cast sees Anthrax make an immediate return to Knebworth after their memorable appearance at this year’s inaugural Sonisphere.

"We are still buzzing from our insane show at Knebworth last summer and are drooling over the fact that we are a part of this history-making festival."

Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian

The American band almost pulled out of August’s event following the dramatic departure of vocalist Dan Nelson.

However, former singer John Bush rejoined the band for a special performance at Sonisphere.

And the speed metal kings from New York will be back at Knebworth next year with Bush back in the fold.

Alongside Slayer and last year’s Sonisphere headliners Metallica, Anthrax are one of the ‘Big Four’ who have made thrash metal what it is.

Guitarist Scott Ian is delighted to be making a second appearance at Knebworth so soon.

He said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled about being a part of Sonisphere 2010!

“We are still buzzing from our insane show at Knebworth last summer and are drooling over the fact that we are a part of this history-making festival.

“What an amazing Xmas present for Anthrax and our fans. See you all very soon.”

From the west coast of America, the heaviest of the heavy, Slayer, will also take to the Knebworth stage to deliver furious metal delivered at breakneck speed.

The Grammy-nominated LA kings of thrash – Tom Araya, Jeff Hanneman, Kerry King and Dave Lombardo – have not appeared at a UK festival for three years.

Following the recent release of new album World Painted Blood, the Californian quartet’s exclusive appearance at Sonisphere next summer will be a welcome return to a festival stage in the UK.