Another 14 acts have been added to the Sonisphere 2014 festival line-up for Knebworth Park this summer – with more bands to be announced over the coming weeks.
Electronic music pioneer Gary Numan, last summer’s Standon Calling headliners Band of Skulls, post-punk heroes New Model Army, Watford hardcore punks Gallows and British metallers Carcass were all added to the Sonisphere line-up this week.
Others confirmed on Wednesday were The Winery Dogs, The Bronx, 65daysofstatic, Sebastian Bach, Chiodos, Bam Margera, Little Matador, The Lounge Kittens and Anti-Nowhere League.
Organisers of Hertfordshire’s biggest music event have also confirmed the day splits and stage orders for this summer’s hard rock and metal spectacular, and day tickets have gone on sale.
Sonisphere will roll into the grounds of Knebworth House for the fourth time from Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6.
![Welwyn Hatfield Times: Band of Skulls headlining Standon Calling 2013 [Picture: PG Brunelli]](/resources/images/15699221.jpg?type=mds-article-620 "Welwyn Hatfield Times: Band of Skulls headlining Standon Calling 2013 [Picture: PG Brunelli]")
The Prodigy, Iron Maiden and Metallica have already been confirmed as main stage headliners of the UK leg of the international touring extravaganza.
For a full list of stage line-up and day splits, visit here.
Of the latest line-up additions, 1970s chart-topper Gary Numan and bluesy indie rockers Band of Skulls will join the Friday night Apollo Stage festivities in support of The Prodigy.
Best known for number one hits Are ‘Friends’ Electric? and Cars, Numan returns to Knebworth following his Sonisphere 2010 appearance in support of his acclaimed new album Splinter.
Highly regarded and massively influential, Numan is undoubtedly one of electronic music’s pioneers, with megastars such as Nine Inch Nail’s Trent Reznor, Marilyn Manson and Foo Fighters main man Dave Grohl all citing him as an inspiration.
An industrial rock powerhouse, Numan is a must-see at Sonisphere for those looking for a darker, more gothic summer.
Having headlined Hertfordshire music festival Standon Calling last year alongside De La Soul, Band of Skulls make their Knebworth debut at Sonisphere this summer.
The Southampton trio come armed with ballsy slabs of rock that have seen them making waves far beyond the shores of their coastal hometown – and won them support slots with the likes of Muse and Queens Of The Stone Age.
Veteran British metallers Carcass will pitch up at Knebworth on the Saturday and guitarist Bill Steer and bassist/vocalist Jeff Walker are looking forward to playing alongside headliners Iron Maiden and fellow Saturn Stage act Chas & Dave.
Walker said: “Nevermind the fact that Bill Steer is a big Chas & Dave fan. A chance to play on the same day as Iron Maiden at Sonisphere? Please sign us up!”
New Model Army will make their Knebworth debut at Sonisphere, having released their acclaimed Between Dog and Wolf album in 2013, their highest charting album in 20 years.
Justin Sullivan, lead singer, songwriter and founder of the band, said: “We are very much looking forward to playing Sonisphere, and in particular playing at the legendary Knebworth House. This will be the first time we have played both.”
Another new name at Knebworth on the Saturn stage on the Saturday will be supergroup The Winery Dogs, featuring ex-members of Poison, Mr Big and Dream Theater.
Vocalist and guitarist Richie Kotzen made his mark with Poison and Mr Big, where he met TWD bassist Billy Sheehan, who in turn has been rocking for decades with Steve Vai, David Lee Roth and others.
Drummer Mike Portnoy, meanwhile, was the co-founder of progressive metal superstars Dream Theater, who will headline the Saturn stage on the Sunday night.
Portnoy said: “So excited to be playing Sonisphere at the legendary Knebworth.This will be The Winery Dogs’ premiere festival performance and it couldn’t have been at a better one than this.”
Hardcore punk outfit The Bronx make their way over from Los Angeles to Knebworth for the first time to heat things up in Bohemia.
No strangers to Sonisphere, Watford punks Gallows will also be showcasing new material in Bohemia on the Sunday.
Sheffield’s 65daysofstatic join the Sonisphere line-up, hot off the back of a sold-out UK tour in support of new album Wild Light.
The prog math and electronic experimentalists can be seen in Bohemia on the Friday.
“The best thing about all those people who like rock music and allow festivals like Sonisphere to thrive are that they usually have no preconceptions and are open to all other types of music, too,” said guitarist Paul Wolinski.
“So we’re looking forward to being the weird, noisy outliers at this festival, knowing that the people there are still going to give us the time of day. In return, we promise to be loud.”
Sebastian Bach will also be performing in Bohemia, with his Saturday set likely to include songs from both his solo career as well as Skid Row hits.
“I am beyond excited and honoured to play the legendary Sonisphere Festival this summer at Knebworth in England,” said Sebastian.
Having laid waste to Alexandra Palace at last winter’s Vans Warped Tour, Chiodos return to the UK for Sonisphere on Sunday, July 6.
Guitarist Brad Bell said: “We haven’t spent a lot of time in the UK in the past and to be able to come back for Sonisphere and play with some of the world’s most iconic bands is going to be an overwhelming experience.”
Legendary punks Anti-Nowhere League also join the 2014 line up. Performing on the Sunday, don’t be too surprised if a few members of that night’s headliners, Metallica, are watching.
Little Matador, who have toured with Nine Inch Nails and Queens of the Stone Age, bring their brash, aggressive rock to Knebworth on the Friday.
Lead singer Nathan Connolly said: “We’re really excited to be playing at Sonisphere.
“Knebworth is such an iconic place and to be part of 40 years of rock history will be an honour. We promise to crank it up as loud as we can.”
Last, but by no means least, Sonisphere welcomes The Lounge Kittens, a Southampton-based trio singing three-part harmonies over your favourite songs, including Limp Bizkit hit Rollin’.
They were brought to the attention of festival organisers by Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst.
Individual day and weekend tickets for Sonisphere 2014 are on sale now at www.sonisphere.co.uk
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