In BOHEMIA, two more slots have been made available on the Friday for grunge 
revivalists JAPANESE VOYEURS and post hardcore punkers LOWER THAN ATLANTIS, while JAGERMEISTER makes room for Britrock flavoured power-popsters NO AMERICANA and latter day alt-rock grunge kids TURBOGEIST on the Saturday and Sunday respectively. Over on the RED BULL BEDROOM JAM stage, rap-rock raversYOU AND WHAT ARMY squeeze in on the Saturday.
Although SONSIPHERE is now crammed full of fantastic acts, organisers may still find room for a couple more surprises – watch this space!
After doing such an incredible job last year, BBC RADIO ONE ROCK SHOW DJ Daniel P Carter and XFM DRIVETIME and ROCK SHOW presenter Ian Camfield return to host and compere the APOLLO andSATURN ARENA stages, and introduce all the awesome bands across the weekend.
Of course, SONISPHERE is not JUST about fantastic live music. Once the bands have stopped performing, the REAL party starts, and this year SONISPHERE has some top DJS lined up to get things going with a BANG!
Friday night sees A1 BASSLINE getting the bodies moving in BOHEMIA. Coming from the outskirts of Croydon, A1 BASSLINE has traveled the world DJ’ing his unique style of music as well as putting out tunes on his own label, Tighten Up Records – touted as one of the labels of the year. Normally associated with house music, his roots are drum & bass, and for SONISPHERE he revisiting them to treat us to a tear out D&B set.
Joining him is FOLD, aka Rob Glasset. One half of Homepark, FOLD is known mainly for Jazzy housey numbers, but will be playing the music he has always cherished at BOHEMIA, mixing up hip hop from all different angles, taking in old school US, current underground and UK hip hop/grime.
On the Saturday, TEK-ONE return to whip the hardcore who are still up for it after BIFFY CLYRO close the APOLLO arena stage into a frenzy. These guys played such a stunning set in the Strongbow Rooms last year that we not only decided to have late night DJs in BOHEMIA this year, we’re also letting TEK-ONE play twice! Following up on their live set over on the RED BULL BEDROOM JAM stage earlier in the evening, TEK-ONE will hit the DJ booth in BOHEMIA to deliver a late nice Dub Step mash up to take us into the earlier hours. In fact we thought that was such a good idea, that we’re following suit by lettingINNERPARTYSYSTEM loose in BOHEMIA to bring their Pennsylvania mash up of electronic and industrial dance after their live set over on the RBBJ stage that same day.
Sunday night – well, Monday morning – is your last chance to dance, and so we have two hot young names taking over BOHEMIA to conclude proceedings with the audio fireworks that SONISPHERE’s finale deserves. STAN SB hails from Leeds and at just 18, he is already well sought after by many big labels – although a major deal is apparently already in place. Compared to Pendulum, Noisia and Chase n Status, Stan is a one man band, playing and singing live, and his set at SONISPHERE will show all why big things await this young man.
Joining him is ALFIE. Another early starter, at 16 he has already had his first release, which has had huge critical acclaim in the scene. Having been featured in Knowledge mag and doing an hour special on Rinse FM, he has been compared to the likes of James Blake, and although his own style is laid back Dubstep, he is planning a big blazin’ tear up for SONISPHERE’s conclusion.
Get your free official festival guide with exclusive previews in the latest issue of ROCK SOUND MAGAZINE, on sale now!
SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place 8th – 10th July 2011 at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. For tickets and more info go to www.sonispherefestivals.com
Line Up:
THE BIG 4 – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX
BIFFY CLYRO
SLIPKNOT
BAD RELIGION
AIRBOURNE
ALESTORM
ALL TIME LOW
AMPLIFIER
ANBERLIN
THE ANSWER
ANTERIOR
ARCANE ROOTS
ARCH ENEMY
ARCHITECTS
BLACK BREATH
BLOOD RED SHOES
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER
BLACK SPIDERS
BLACK TIDE
CANCER BATS
CAVALERA CONSPIRACY
CEREBRAL BALLZY
CHERRI BOMB
THE CRAVE
DECADE
THE DEFILED
DEMONIC RESURRECTION
DIAMOND HEAD
DON BROCO
EXIT TEN
FIREWIND
FLATS
FLETCHER
FOUR YEAR STRONG
FOZZY
GALLOWS
GLAMOUR OF THE KILL
GOJIRA
GRINSPOON
HAMMER OF THE GODS
HAYSEED DIXIE
HOUNDS
HOUSE OF PAIN
IN FLAMES
INNERPARTYSYSTEM
INME
JAPANESE VOYEURS
JETTBLACK
KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES
KILLING JOKE
KYLESA
LIMP BIZKIT
LOWER THAN ATLANTIS
THE MARS VOLTA
MASTODON
ME VS HERO
MOJO FURY
MOTÖRHEAD
MY PASSION
NO AMERICANA
ONE MINUTE SILENCE
OPETH
ORANGE GOBLIN
PANIC CELL
PARADISE LOST
PARKWAY DRIVE
PERIPHERY
PROTEST THE HERO
PULLED APART BY HORSES
REVOKER
RICHARD CHEESE
RISE TO REMAIN
RIVAL SONS
ROLO TOMASSI
THE SAFETY FIRE
SAINT JUDE
SIX HOUR SUNDOWN
SLAM CARTEL
SONS OF ICARUS
SONIC BOOM SIX
SUM 41
SYLOSIS
TEK-ONE
TESSERACT
THE SISTERS OF MERCY
TITLE FIGHT
THE TREATMENT
TURBOGEIST
TURBOWOLF
THE VIRGIN MARYS
VOLBEAT
WATAIN
WEEZER
WHILE SHE SLEEPS
YOU AND WHAT ARMY
YOU ME AT SIX
YOUNG LEGIONNAIRE
COMEDY LINE-UP:
BILL BAILEY
STEVE-O
SEAN HUGHES
HOWARD MARKS
BRENDON BURNS
ANDREW MAXWELL
ANDREW O NEILL
TIFFANY STEVENSON
BOB SLAYER
JARRED CHRISTMAS
JASON JOHN WHITEHEAD,
JASON ROUSE
JIM BREUER
JIM SMALLMAN
PLUS DJ SETS FROM:
A1 BASSLINE
ALFIE
FOLD
INNERPARTYSYSTEM
STAN SB
TEK ONE
Sonisphere
Sonisphere day ticket ballot scheme details + lineup
SONISPHERE FESTIVAL organisers have issued the following statement regarding day tickets for the 2011 event:
In response to an overwhelming number of requests, we have been able to secure permission to put a strictly limited number of day tickets on sale via THE POWER BALLOT scheme. Due to the huge demand for day tickets anticipated, and the limited number that can be made available, we have decided to use a ballot system as we believe it is the fairest way to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to obtain tickets.
Fans should sign up at www.sonispherefestivals.com/uk before 23rd May, when the ballot closes. You may apply for as many days as you like in order to increase your chances, although full weekend tickets work out much cheaper than three separate day tickets, and is the best way to enjoy all that SONISPHERE has to offer and get the full festival experience.
Successful applicants will be informed which day(s) they can purchase tickets for via email on May 25th. Each customer may purchase up to four tickets for their allocated day. Tickets will be £80/day plus booking fee.
The day splits are listed below, broken down by stage, from the APOLLO and SATURN ARENA stages – timed to ensure no clashes so people can watch every main stage performance – to the BOHEMIA, JAGERMEISTER and RED BULL BEDROOM JAM stages, considerately timed to avoid any painful choices over the course of the weekend.
Friday 8th July
APOLLO ARENA STAGE
METALLICA
SLAYER
MEGADETH
ANTHRAX
DIAMOND HEAD
BOHEMIA STAGE
HAYSEED DIXIE
KILLING JOKE
BLOOD RED SHOES
MY PASSION
BLACK DAHLIA MURDER
FIREWIND
GLAMOUR OF THE KILL
LOWER THAN ATLANTIS
JAGERMEISTER STAGE
FLATS
THE DEFILED
BLACK BREATH
SLAM CARTEL
HOUNDS
DECADE
HAMMER OF THE GODS
REDBULL BEDROOM JAM STAGE
ROLO TOMASSI
PROTEST THE HERO
CEREBAL BALLZY
YOUNG LEGIONNAIRE
SATURDAY 9th July
APOLLO ARENA STAGE
BIFFY CLYRO
WEEZER
YOU ME AT SIX
BAD RELIGION
CAVALERA CONSPIRACY
ARCHITECTS
SYLOSIS
SATURN ARENA STAGE
THE MARS VOLTA
ALL TIME LOW
SUM 41
KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES
GALLOWS
RICHARD CHEESE
BOHEMIA STAGE
THE SISTERS OF MERCY
PARADISE LOST
GOJIRA
ONE MINUTE SILENCE
PERIPHERY
PULLED APART BY HORSES
GRINSPOON
CHERRI BOMB
WHILE SHE SLEEPS
JAGERMEISTER STAGE
BLACK SPIDERS
SAINT JUDE
RIVAL SONS
THE CRAVE
SIX HOUR SUNDOWN
THE VIRGIN MARYS
PANIC CELL
THE TREATMENT
JETTBLACK
NO AMERICANA
SONS OF ICARUS
RED BULL BEDROOM JAM STAGE
WATAIN
RISE TO REMAIN
TEK ONE
INNERPARTYSYSTEM
TESERACT
REVOKER
SUNDAY 10th July
APOLLO ARENA STAGE
SLIPKNOT
LIMP BIZKIT
MOTORHEAD
MASTODON
PARKWAY DRIVE
ARCH ENEMY
VOLBEAT
SATURN ARENA STAGE
BILL BAILEY
OPETH
AIRBOURNE
IN FLAMES
HOUSE OF PAIN
BLACK TIDE
BOHEMIA STAGE
THE ANSWER
FOUR YEAR STRONG
ALESTORM
CANCER BATS
ANBERLIN
INME
KYLESA
TURBOWOLF
HOWARD MARKS
JAGERERMEISTER STAGE
ORANGE GOBLIN
FOZZY
ANTERIOR
EXIT TEN
AMPLIFIER
DEMONIC RESURECTION
TURBOGEIST
MOJO FURY
THE SAFETY FIRE
FLETCHER
RED BULL BEDROOM JAM STAGE
SONIC BOOM SIX
DON BROCO
TITLE FIGHT
ME VS HERO
ARCANE ROOTS
Sonisphere 2011 lineup complete!
The last five acts for BOHEMIA come in the form of CHERRI BOMB, ANBERLIN and TURBOWOLF. Alt-rock duo BLOOD RED SHOES playBOHEMIA on the Friday, with Sheffield hardcore heroes WHILE SHE SLEEPS opening proceedings on the Saturday, before LA all girl rock troupe CHERRI BOMB show the UK why they are fast being hailed as “Rock’s New Generation”. The Sunday plays host to US alt-rockersANBERLIN, and Bristolian electro-noise-rockers TURBOWOLF, who will take the stage after HOWARD MARKS’s Sunday sermon slot.
Over on the JAGERMEISTER stage, the last two headline slots can be revealed, with THE DEFILED taking the honours on Friday, and BLACK SPIDERS delivering the final JAGER-BOMB of the evening on Saturday. “We’re honoured and privileged to be playing Sonisphere again this year, this time headlining the Jager stage!!” says charismatic frontman PETE SPIBY “Our relationship with the noble rock audience continues to delight and amaze us. Anyone who is anyone is going to be there and when we go on stage, everyone knows it’s going to be one hell of a AAA party and once we see those middle fingers, we’ll know that everyone there is there for one reason and one reason only…to join us on our real time musical adventure, kiss the rainbow and make it the event it should be…”
“We’re ecstatic that we will be headlining the Jager stage on the Friday at this years Sonisphere festival.” Says THE DEFILED’s keyboard playerTHE AvD “To to be invited back again and to be playing the same day as the Big 4 is gonna be amazing!”
Joining THE DEFILED on the Friday are toga-clad metal warriors HAMMER OF THE GODS, Seattle thrashers BLACK BREATH, London rockersSLAM CARTEL, pop-punk/hardcore quintet DECADE and new UK old-school punk revivalists FLATS. On the Saturday, Marshall Ultimate Band winners SONS OF ICARUS kick off proceedings on the JAGERMEISTER stage, with new Californian Classic Rock sensations RIVAL SONS also putting in an appearance. Joining the line up on Sunday are progressive metallers THE SAFETY FIRE, groove metal beasts PANIC CELL, Reading post-hardcore mob EXIT TEN and Northern Irish alt-rockers MOJO FURY.
Over on the RED BULL BEDROOM JAM stage, the six additions include British post-hardcore trio YOUNG LEGIONNAIRE, and Brooklyn hardcore maniacs CEREBRAL BALLZY who will tear it up on the Friday, Pennyslvanian dance rockers INNERPARTYSYSTEM and Welsh thrash-newcomers REVOKER on the Saturday, with the Sunday hosting appearances from Bedford post-hardcore popsters DON BROCO, and a headline set from Ska-Punk-Hip-Hop fusionists SONIC BOOM SIX.
“It’s amazing to be a part of such an awesome line-up!” states REVOKER bassplayer SHANE PHILLIPS. “You’ve only got to look at the bands playing Sonisphere this year to know that it’s going to be something special, and we’re very excited to be a part of that! We’ve all been going to festivals for years and absolutely love everything about them; the atmosphere, finding new music, the camping, the alcohol, haha! Sonisphere this year is going to fucking rock and I can’t wait!”
With the line-up now complete, one can see what a truly awesome festival SONISPHERE 2011 is going to be. As well as all the fantastic bands on offer, SONISPHERE boasts an extremely impressive comedy line up, with performances from the likes of BILL BAILEY, STEVE-O, HOWARD MARKS and SEAN HUGHES to name a few, plus an array of other entertainment including fairground rides, stalls, plus lots of late night entertainment in BOHEMIA well after the bands stop playing, including DJs, Discos and cinema to name just a few, with more attractions and on-site events to be announced in the coming weeks.
SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place 8th – 10th July 2011 at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. For tickets and more info go towww.sonispherefestivals.com
Line Up:
THE BIG 4 – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX
BIFFY CLYRO
SLIPKNOT
BAD RELIGION
AIRBOURNE
ALESTORM
ALL TIME LOW
AMPLIFIER
ANBERLIN
THE ANSWER
ANTERIOR
ARCANE ROOTS
ARCH ENEMY
ARCHITECTS
BLACK BREATH
BLOOD RED SHOES
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER
BLACK SPIDERS
BLACK TIDE
CANCER BATS
CAVALERA CONSPIRACY
CEREBRAL BALLZY
CHERRI BOMB
THE CRAVE
DECADE
THE DEFILED
DEMONIC RESURRECTION
DIAMOND HEAD
DON BROCO
EXIT TEN
FIREWIND
FLATS
FLETCHER
FOUR YEAR STRONG
FOZZY
GALLOWS
GLAMOUR OF THE KILL
GOJIRA
GRINSPOON
HAMMER OF THE GODS
HAYSEED DIXIE
HOUNDS
HOUSE OF PAIN
IN FLAMES
INNERPARTYSYSTEM
INME
JETTBLACK
KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES
KILLING JOKE
KYLESA
LIMP BIZKIT
THE MARS VOLTA
MASTODON
ME VS HERO
MOJO FURY
MOTÖRHEAD
MY PASSION
ONE MINUTE SILENCE
OPETH
ORANGE GOBLIN
PANIC CELL
PARADISE LOST
PARKWAY DRIVE
PERIPHERY
PROTEST THE HERO
PULLED APART BY HORSES
REVOKER
RICHARD CHEESE
RISE TO REMAIN
RIVAL SONS
ROLO TOMASSI
THE SAFETY FIRE
SAINT JUDE
SIX HOUR SUNDOWN
SLAM CARTEL
SONS OF ICARUS
SONIC BOOM SIX
SUM 41
SYLOSIS
TEK-ONE
TESSERACT
THE SISTERS OF MERCY
TITLE FIGHT
THE TREATMENT
TURBOWOLF
THE VIRGIN MARYS
VOLBEAT
WATAIN
WEEZER
WHILE SHE SLEEPS
YOU ME AT SIX
YOUNG LEGIONNAIRE
COMEDY LINE-UP:
BILL BAILEY
STEVE-O
SEAN HUGHES
HOWARD MARKS
BRENDON BURNS
ANDREW MAXWELL
ANDREW O NEILL
TIFFANY STEVENSON
BOB SLAYER
JARRED CHRISTMAS
JASON JOHN WHITEHEAD,
JASON ROUSE
JIM BREUER
JIM SMALLMAN
28 Acts added to Sonisphere 2011 Lineup
SONISPHERE FESTIVAL KNEBWORTH has revealed another 28 names for its 2011 line up.
BAD RELIGION come to KNEBWORTH for a rare major outdoor UK festival appearance. The punk rock revivalists have been a huge inspiration to countless bands with their catchy, politically charged songs, not to mention guitarist Brett Gurewitz giving birth to the hugely prolific Epitaph record label. With over 5 million albums sold worldwide, BAD RELIGION are one of the most successful independent punk bands around, and it’s not hard to see why. With songs such as “21st Century Digital Boy”, “Punk Rock Song”, “American Jesus” and “Los Angeles Is Burning” to treat audiences with, their set at SONISPHERE is not to be missed.
The legendary duo of MAX and IGGOR bring their CAVALERA CONSPIRACY to SONISPHERE’s APOLLO ARENA stage to dish out a healthy dose of high-speed, aggressively powerful and intense metal in the way that they know best. Formed after a decade long silence between Max and Iggor, the two brothers who created the legendry trailblazing heavy metal band Sepultura as teenagers together, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY is a punishing reminder of just what a magical chemistry these two have. Max promises a show mixed with favourites both old and new at their only UK festival appearance this summer:
“I’m fucking super excited to be part of the Sonisphere Festival in the UK with Cavalera Conspiracy. We have a new album out, Blunt Force Trauma, and me and Iggor are on fire. We are gonna play stuff from the first CD, Inflikted, new stuff, some Sepultura and Nailbomb classics, so it should be a storm of metal coming to Sonisphere UK. I can’t wait!”
One of the hottest bands on the UK metal scene right now, Reading thrashers SYLOSIS return to SONISPHERE to open the APOLLO ARENA STAGE. Having recently sold out venues up and down the country on the Metal Hammer Razor Tour, the band look forward to stepping up and showing the world why they deserve the honour of kicking off proceedings on SONISPHERE 2011’s second day:
“We are beyond thrilled to be back at Sonisphere again this year.” States frontman JOSH MIDDLETON. “To be on the main stage is an absolute dream come true for all of us and will be our biggest show to date. Knowing that we will be the first band on that stage after Metallica the night before kind of blows my mind. It’s an honour to play on the same stage as so many influential bands.”
On the SATURN ARENA stage, America’s loudest lounge singer RICHARD CHEESE will perform swingin’ Vegas versions of rock, rap, and metal hits, “swankifying” contemporary songs into traditional pop vocal standards, in a way that can only be described as genius. Having sold more than 175,000 CDs since 2000, CHEESE is one of the most successful covers artists out there and a listen to albums like “Lounge Against The Machine”, “Tuxicity”, “I’d Like A Virgin”, “Aperitif For Destruction” and “The Sunny Side Of The Moon”, leaves you in no doubt as to why. The perfect mix of music, martini, and madcap, SONISPHERE is in for a treat as RICHARD and his band,LOUNGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, dish out their own take on popular chart toppers.
Over on BOHEMIA, another eight fantastic acts will join the already impressive line up. Northern Irish rockers THE ANSWER, who release their ‘412 DAYS OF ROCK‘n’ROLL’ DVD next month – which includes an hour long rockumentary of their time on the road with AC/DC – look forward to showcasing some new songs especially for the KNEBWORTH crowd. Says frontman CORMAC NEESON:
“It’s a great feeling to be asked to play at Sonisphere where we will be rubbing shoulders with the elite of the rock and metal world. This will be our first real opportunity to road test some of our brand new songs. The Answer are looking forward to getting up there and shaking our rock n roll asses with the best of them. Bring it on!!!”
Joining them will be Canadian hardcore heroes CANCER BATS, York metal-mob GLAMOUR OF THE KILL, bluegrass mentalists HAYSEED DIXIE, sludge metallers KYLESA, dance-punk rockers MY PASSION, alt-rockersPULLED APART BY HORSES, and Britain’s gloomiest goth-metallers PARADISE LOST, all of whom are very much looking forward to what is undoubtedly the hottest weekend in the UK rock calendar:
“We’re all majorly looking forward to being part of Sonisphere 2011.” Says GOTK’s Chris Gomerson “Just by looking at the line-up you can tell Sonisphere is going from strength to strength bringing more and more great bands into the UK music scene. It’s a good time to be a British band when we have festivals like this on our home turf!”
His sentiments are echoed by MY PASSION’s LAURENCE RENÉ, who reckons, “Sonisphere is a festival made for My Passion to perform. Not only is it on our doorstep being Hertfordshire men but we are also ready to follow the footsteps of our new label mates Rammstein who played one of the most phenomenal shows my senses have ever witnessed in 2010. This one will be a huge homecoming for us with our new line up, & we are ready to entertain and exhilarate Sonisphere and then join the party for the rest of the weekend. Slipknot and Biffy are hugely influential and just a taste of the diversity!”
“It’s really great to be added to the Sonisphere bill.” Agrees PARADISE LOST frontman NICK HOLMES. “It’s a top line up this year and I intended to go along anyway, only now I don’t have to blag my way in ;) Look forward to seeing you all there for a monster weekend of metal!”
“Bad things happen when Hayseed Dixie plays Sonisphere” warns frontman BARLEY SCOTCH ”Our bodies are Rock & Roll temples, and we will sacrifice them on the altar of Sonisphere.”
The RED BULL BEDROOM JAM stage returns to SONISPHERE again this year, and has another six acts to add to this year’s line up. Sheffield noisemakers ROLO TOMASSI will perform on the Friday, followed by electronica duo TEK-ONE - who return after performing in BOHEMIA last year – and Djent metallers TESSERACT on the Saturday, who reckon “Sonisphere is without a doubt one of the coolest festivals on the planet, and this year’s lineup looks incredible. We feel privileged to be representing the new sound emerging on the scene and be playing the same festival alongside the legends.”
The RBBJ stage line up is completed by alt-rockers ARCANE ROOTS, and Preston Pop-Punks ME VS HERO who perform on the Sunday, fresh from their upcoming tour with Skindred. Vocalist Sam Thomson says:
“Knebworth is like our second home and Sonisphere a mecca for all things rock and punk. We are honoured to be back and playing with many of our favourite bands and friends such as Four Year Strong, All Time Low, and You Me At Six”.
Since its inception, the JAGERMEISTER stage has showcased some of the coolest bands on the scene, both up and coming future stars and cult faves and this year is no exception if these ten additions are anything to go by.
After winning the SONISPHERE sponsored “Global Metal” award at last year’s Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards, DEMONIC RESURRECTION make their UK debut at KNEBWORTH on Sunday, which the Mumbai five piece are more than a little excited about:
“We are at a loss for words to describe how we feel confirming to play Sonisphere, just the thought of watching the Big 4 let alone be playing the same festival as them is enough to give us goosebumps. Not to mention the insane lineup of bands like Opeth (who we’ve opened for in India), Arch Enemy, Periphery and many others who we can’t wait to see. DR fans can expect a blistering performance from us, it is our first gig in the UK and we intend to make it a memorable one.”
Also appearing on the JAGERMEISTER stage across the weekend will be Essex rockers HOUNDS who perform on the Friday, with the Saturday boasting appearances from hotly tipped blues-rock future superstars SAINT JUDE, rock’n’rollers THE VIRGIN MARYS, plus UK rockers THE CRAVE and JETTBLACK, who both look forward to the weekend:
“We were lucky enough to play Sonisphere in its very first year here in the UK in 2009” says THE CRAVE’s frontman/guitarist RYAN BURNETT. “It was a great atmosphere and a great show from what we can remember, but it was the Jager stage, so we don’t remember that much. We look forward to not remembering much from this year’s great performance too. Be there to remind us.”
JETTBLACK bassist TOM WRIGHT enthuses “To be playing one of the biggest metal festivals is one thing, but to be on the same bill as four of the biggest metal bands of all time is fucking amazing!”
On the Sunday, in addition to DEMONIC RESURRECTION, Manchester power trio AMPLIFIER, Welsh thrashers ANTERIOR, and FLETCHER will perform alongside the mighty ORANGE GOBLIN. Frontman BEN WARD (who was recently spotted guesting with Kyuss Lives at their recent London Shows) reckons:
“Orange Goblin are delighted and honoured to be a part of Sonisphere 2011. This festival marks the first ever ‘Big 4’ shows on British soil so the weekend will go down in the annuls of metal history! Although, now Orange Goblin are playing I guess it should be re-named the Big 5!!!”
SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place 8th – 10th July 2011 at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. For tickets and more info go to www.sonispherefestivals.com <http://www.
Line Up So Far
THE BIG 4 – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX
BIFFY CLYRO
SLIPKNOT
BAD RELIGION
AIRBOURNE
ALESTORM
ALL TIME LOW
AMPLIFIER
THE ANSWER
ANTERIOR
ARCANE ROOTS
ARCH ENEMY
ARCHITECTS
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER
BLACK TIDE
CANCER BATS
CAVALERA CONSPIRACY
THE CRAVE
DEMONIC RESURRECTION
DIAMOND HEAD
FIREWIND
FLETCHER
FOUR YEAR STRONG
FOZZY
GALLOWS
GLAMOUR OF THE KILL
GOJIRA
GRINSPOON
HAYSEED DIXIE
HOUNDS
HOUSE OF PAIN
IN FLAMES
INME
JETTBLACK
KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES
KILLING JOKE
KYLESA
LIMP BIZKIT
THE MARS VOLTA
MASTODON
ME VS HERO
MOTÖRHEAD
MY PASSION
ONE MINUTE SILENCE
OPETH
ORANGE GOBLIN
PARADISE LOST
PARKWAY DRIVE
PERIPHERY
PROTEST THE HERO
PULLED APART BY HORSES
RICHARD CHEESE
RISE TO REMAIN
ROLO TOMASSI
SAINT JUDE
SIX HOUR SUNDOWN
SUM 41
SYLOSIS
TEK-ONE
TESSERACT
THE SISTERS OF MERCY
THE TREATMENT
TITLE FIGHT
THE VIRGIN MARYS
VOLBEAT
WATAIN
WEEZER
YOU ME AT SIX
Sonisphere first Comedy names revealed
Having started out on the stand-up circuit before having his own show commissioned by the BBC and making guest appearances in cult comedy series Spaced, BILL BAILEY was propelled into the mainstream after being cast as Dylan Moran’s put-upon assistant Manny in Black Books, before taking over from Sean Hughes for a six year stint as team captain on long-running music quiz show Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Numerous television and film appearances have followed, including regular participation in panel shows such as QI and Have I Got News For You and casting in hit drama Skins and films such as The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Hot Fuzz and, most recently, a starring role in British comedy Chalet Girl.However it is in his live shows featuring surrealist humour and leftfield storytelling and set to a soundtrack that utilises an eclectic range of instruments, including the under-appreciated theremin and the often-neglected kazoo, that BILL BAILEY’S unique comedy styling can truly shine. Having sold out multiple nights at the O2 Arena plus recently completing a hugely successful ten week residency at London’s Wyndham Theatre earlier this year, addressing a broad spectrum of subject matter from current affairs to Kraftwerk, BILL BAILEY is set to bring his inimitable performance – which historically has featured musical delights ranging from an Emo inspired song to his own interpretation of SLAYER – for SONISPHERE’s first ever outdoor comedy set, and the largest live comedy performance ever to be hosted at a Rock festival in the UK. Bill comments, “I am utterly stoked to be playing Sonisphere alongside some of my heroes of metal. Unleash the Wild Dogs of Rock!”
Jackass superstar STEVE-O chooses SONISPHERE to make his debut UK stand-up performance where he will headline the day’s comedy in BOHEMIA. There are very few people on this earth who have inflicted as much damage to themselves as STEVE-O: his history reads like a catalogue of insanity, with achievements including several arrests (including an obscenity charge for stapling his scrotum to his leg), encasing himself in a “fart mask”, hosting a fireworks display between his buttocks and being driven across a bumpy desert road by Henry Rollins while a tattoo artist attempts to etch a smiley face onto his arm. Given his CV, STEVE-O certainly has more than a few shocking yet highly amusing stories to tell. Previous live shows have seen hilarious anecdotes from his past mixed in with stunts including using himself as a human match, balancing knives on his face and squeezing fresh lime juice into his eyes. What this Wizard of Pain has planned for his debut UK performance is yet to be seen, but one thing remains certain – it is not to be missed.Comedian, actor and radio host JIM BREUER will show the UK why he is one of the biggest names in American comedy as he flies in for his UK debut at SONISPHERE. Close friends with METALLICA, Breuer shot to superstardom after a four year run on Saturday Night Live and his appearance alongside Dave Chappelle in the cult classic movie “Half Baked.” With many accolades including Comedy Central’s “100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time,” Breuer is currently one of the top touring comedians in the US. As well as hosting his own Sirius program he has an enormous listenership, including a one hour special on Comedy Central, “Let’s Clear The Air,” one of the channel’s highest rated specials raking in over a million viewers. Breuer is a regular guest on the Howard Stern show, and has his own podcast on iTunes top 20. His appearances include several stints on NBC’s “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” as well as roles in numerous movies including “Dick,” “Once in the Life,” “Beer League,” and “The Zookeeper” with Kevin James. Fans adoringly describe Breuer’s multigenerational family comedy as “the modern day Bill Cosby, if he was wearing a METALLICA t-shirt.” A promising picture for what is sure to be a historical debut.
Returning to SONISPHERE, Portsmouth-born vegan, anarchist, transvestite and occult heavy metal comedian-come-musician-writer extraordinaire ANDREW O’NEILL is welcomed back after leaving BOHEMIA in stitches in 2010. Having been a stand-up comedian for eight years, Andrew has performed in comedy clubs and theatres throughout the UK and abroad, conducting comedy tours of Jack the Ripper murder sites and regularly appearing on radio and television. In 2009 Andrew was nominated for the Chortle Awards’ Breakthrough Act, and has received rave reviews across the press, and accolades from some of comedy’s legends, including Steve Coogan, who considered Andrew “so funny I put him in my new TV show” (Saxondale).
According to Metal Hammer Magazine – who are in a perfect place to judge, being both experts on Metal and having let him host their 2009 Golden Gods Awards – Canadian JASON ROUSE is “the most Metal comedian on the planet”. If BILL BAILEY is the METALLICA of the comedy line up at SONISPHERE this summer, JASON ROUSE is the WATAIN - brutal, dark, twisted and hell-bent on turning the mainstream comedy world upside down. Over the last decade this comedy outsider has sharpened his teeth in clubs and festivals all over the world and become the most celebrated ‘odd-ball’ in comedy today. His stand-up comedy act is a clever combination of devilishly crafted jokes and ‘freak-show-like’ theatrics, which will pit your sense of morals against your sense of humour as this jester from hell forces you to laugh at stuff you should not find funny.
The perfect example of what happens when real rock, comedy and booze mix together BOB SLAYER should feel right at home when making his SONISPHERE debut this summer. Bob’s comedy awakening came while working as tour manager for hedonistic hellraisers The Bloodshound Gang, as they nipped out for a cigarette break mid-set while trying to adjust to the recently introduced UK smoking ban. Thrown in at the deep end, Bob was forced to learn on his feet as 1500 fans threw stuff at him (on the band’s instruction) and after a few days, his survival instincts had formulated a hugely well received routine. As a comedian he has toured all over the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, France, and Hong Kong, Norway and appeared at numerous festivals as well as Edinburgh, Brighton, Bath & Swansea Fringes.
JASON JOHN WHITEHEAD has been performing his brand of stand up comedy all over the world for 12 years now and it is with great excitement that SONISPHERE welcomes him to this year’s comedy line up. A regular at international comedy festivals in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, UK, Holland and his home country of Canada, as well as headline tours on the British and international circuit, Jason has headlined prestigious clubs such as The Comedy Store, Jongleurs, Highlight, The Glee Club, and Yuk Yuks. Described by the Leicester Mercury as “an irresistibly loveable combination of freaked out pot head and a south park character, with a bit of Ozzy thrown in for good measure”, Jason’s set at SONISPHERE promises deadpan observational humour that will leave the bands outdoors competing over the decibel levels of the resulting laughter spilling out from BOHEMIA.
A hugely successful stand-up in his own right, Kiwi comedian JARRED CHRISTMAS returns to SONISPHERE to compere the comedy on Saturday. His impressive list of credits include appearances on Mock The Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, BBC2 sitcom The Persuasionists and Dave Channel’s Argumental, as well as dancing like Madonna for Comic Relief. Having scooped a ‘Best Compere’ gong from last year’s Chortle Awards, Jarred’s dynamic onstage persona coupled with his ability to improvise and roll with anything that’s thrown at him make him the perfect candidate to MC for a lively festival crowd, as he proved last year and will no doubt do again this July.
With this announcement, SONISPHERE 2011 is truly coming into its own, and has a few more surprises to come which will show just what a forward thinking festival this is. Boasting some of the biggest names in rock across the APOLLO and SATURN arena stages, which are considerately timed to ensure no clashes, and with an extended break planned between the end of BILL BAILEY’s set (to allow punters to recover from the stitches the comedy genius will inevitably leave them in) before the mighty SLIPKNOT take the stage. With more stages still to be announced, including more comedy, fantastic bands and other alternative performances, SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH 2011 is going to be simply unmissable, and with weekend tickets selling at an ever more rapid pace, is heading towards its first full sellout.
SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place 8th – 10th July 2011 at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. For tickets and more info go to www.sonispherefestivals.com
Line Up So Far
THE BIG 4 – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX
BIFFY CLYRO
SLIPKNOT
AIRBOURNE
ALESTORM
ALL TIME LOW
ARCH ENEMY
ARCHITECTS
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER
BLACK TIDE
DIAMOND HEAD
FIREWIND
FOUR YEAR STRONG
FOZZY
GALLOWS
GOJIRA
GRINSPOON
HOUSE OF PAIN
IN FLAMES
INME
KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES
KILLING JOKE
LIMP BIZKIT
THE MARS VOLTA
MASTODON
MOTÖRHEAD
ONE MINUTE SILENCE
OPETH
PARKWAY DRIVE
PERIPHERY
PROTEST THE HERO
RISE TO REMAIN
SIX HOUR SUNDOWN
SUM 41
THE SISTERS OF MERCY
THE TREATMENT
VOLBEAT
WATAIN
WEEZER
YOU ME AT SIX
COMEDY LINE-UP SO FAR:
BILL BAILEY
STEVE-O
ANDREW O NEILL
BOB SLAYER
JARRED CHRISTMAS
JASON JOHN WHITEHEAD,
JASON ROUSE
JIM BREUER
Sonisphere adds Mars Volta, Opeth, Killing Joke and more!
Straight off the back of completing their sixth (as yet untitled) studio album, THE MARS VOLTA have confirmed their return to the UK for an exclusive performance at this year’s SONISPHERE. The El Paso Grammy award winners will be bringing their unique blend of Latin-American infused psychedelic prog rock to KNEBWORTH to headline the SATURN stage for an unforgettable, excitingly visceral and wildly energetic set. Over the last decade,THE MARS VOLTA have earned huge critical acclaim and kudos from both musicians and media alike, with musical masterpieces like “Inertiatic Esp”, “Televators”, “The Widow”, “Wax Simulacra”, “Teflon” and “Since We’ve Been Wrong” dropping jaws the world over. With the promise of these – and possibly some new songs from the forthcoming album – don’t miss THE MARS VOLTA’s only UK show of 2011, playing just before BIFFY CLYROtake to the APOLLO stage. Says guitarist Omar Rodríguez-López:“We’re stoked to come and play. Everything I’ve heard about the festival has been positive, I’m sure it’ll be great. Playing live for me is the best part of being in a band, I can’t wait to get back out there. I’m excited to play the new songs.”
Another band making their SONISPHERE debut is Sweden’s mighty OPETH. Having formed over 20 years ago, OPETH have pushed the boundaries of a plethora of genres by seamlessly incorporating elements of prog, folk, experimental jazz and classic rock with a style firmly rooted in Scandinavian death metal, creating a legacy of sound that consistently evolves and excites. Frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt – who really should check out the awesome line up – says:
“We’re chuffed about the invite to play Sonisphere in the UK. Not sure who else is on the bill, but I guess that info is just a click away. Regardless, we’re coming to play to YOU, first and foremost and anything else wouldn’t matter at the end of the day. Always loved playing to the UK crowds, and I’m sure this gig will be no exception. See you there!”.
KILLING JOKE are no strangers to KNEBWORTH, having performed at the inaugural SONISPHERE in 2009. This time, the original line-up of Jaz Coleman, Geordie, Youth and Paul Ferguson will take to the BOHEMIA stage after the grand finale of THE BIG 4 on Friday, to show why after 30 years, KILLING JOKE are still one of the most important bands around. Hugely influential to Friday night headliners METALLICA – who covered “The Wait” on their Garage Days EP – as well as a host of iconic acts such as Nirvana, Ministry, Prong, Tool, Nine Inch Nails and many more too numerous to mention – KILLING JOKE will leave you in no doubt as to why, with songs from their illustrious history and 2010’s incredible return to form “Absolute Dissent”.
Returning to the UK after a main support slot on the Kerrang! Relentless Tour, hirsute Massachusetts easycore quintet FOUR YEAR STRONG will be joining SONISPHERE’S Sunday line-up on the BOHEMIA stage. With an eclectic sound borne out of a desire to create music that the band themselves would want to hear, FOUR YEAR STRONG skillfully blend melodic hardcore and screamo vocals with power pop synths and numerous nods to nineties pop-culture. And it sounds like they can’t wait to get to KNEBWORTH, with guitarist and vocalist Dan declaring:
“I’m so stoked to play Sonisphere, great lineup of bands to be a part of. I’m excited to play for an amazing fest in an amazing country”.
Added to Friday’s line-up are Michigan’s melodic death metallers THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER. Pounding Swedish-style blackened thrash with American death metal muscle, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER are set to lay waste to the BOHEMIA stage with the relentless, merciless brutality that has put them at the forefront of the underground metal scene. States frontman Trevor:
“We in The Black Dahlia Murder camp are completely honored to accept an invite to the amazing Sonisphere this year. Seeing The Big Four live has been a dream of mine… playing alongside them…well, kill me now!”.
Despite being amongst the youngest artists to feature at this year’s SONISPHERE, Miami’s BLACK TIDE have already secured their position as worthy contenders of the metal scene. With their 2008 debut album garnering instant acclaim, leading to them being named Best International Newcomer at the Kerrang! Awards and achieving a Top 8 single in the US Billboard Top 100, BLACK TIDE continue to ride high with support slots on Iron Maiden’s up-coming US dates confirmed and a sophomore album, featuring guest vocals from Matt Tuck of Bullet For My Valentine, set for release this Spring.
Controversial Swedish black metallers WATAIN are looking forward to bringing a sinister edge to this year’s SONISPHERE. Indoors or out, rain or shine, the fearsome five-piece will ensure their set is enshrouded in an inescapable darkness, as they deliver a grim, blood splattered set. Mainman Erik Danielsson enthuses:
“Playing alongside Metallica – one of the greatest musical influences of Watain – has always been a dream of ours, so this feels like a most pleasing reward for walking this long hard road all these years. Watain will be a dark and fierce addition to this already mind-blowing lineup of metallic overkill, and we look forward to bring our blood, fire and death to the UK visitors…”.
With a CV boasting contributions to Dream Evil, Arch Enemy, Mystic Prophecy, Kamelot and Nightrage – not to mention his role as current axeman to Ozzy Osbourne – Greek Guitar Guru GUS G is one of the most high-profile young guitarists in the world today. But his own band, FIREWIND, has been the one constant in his hugely successful career. After six albums and 10 years, the Greek power-metallers are set for their first appearance atKNEBWORTH this year, and promise big things for the SONIPSHERE crowd:
“We’re very excited for our debut performance at Sonisphere festival! We’re truly honoured to be a part of Sonisphere UK and to share the stage with the Big 4 and so many other great bands!! Knebworth get ready, we’ll set your world on fire!!”.
Returning to SONISPHERE this year are London metalcore outfit RISE TO REMAIN. Having won the Metal Hammer Golden God Award for Best New Band and the Kerrang! Award for Best British Newcomer in 2010, RISE TO REMAIN have gone from strength to strength, touring extensively with, amongst others, Iron Maiden, Korn and Hatebreed, and are set to release their debut album later this year. Frontman Austin Dickinson comments:
“Sonisphere this year looks set to destroy all in the immediate vicinity, and we can’t wait to raise hell with them! Pints and horns ready my friends, this is going to go off!”
Bringing tales of rum, wenches and high-seas rolling to the grounds of KNEBWORTH are Scottish pirate-metallers ALESTORM.
“Avast ye fannyfaces! We’re dead chuffed to finally be invited to Sonisphere. We’re gonna get drunk pirate style and party like it’s 1692! We might play a few songs too, if we’re not too hungover. See you all in the pit…”
Having last toured the UK in late 2010 with Sabaton, ALESTORM will follow up the May release of their third studio album with their first SONISPHERE outing.
Also appearing are Cambridge Rockers THE TREATMENT, who have just released their debut album via Powerage Records, and SIX HOUR SUNDOWN, whose frontwoman Lauren Harris states:
‘We’re thrilled to be playing Sonisphere this year. It’s a great festival and the line up is amazing! What better place to announce the arrival of Six Hour Sundown. We’re playing the Red Bull stage and we can’t wait to see you there!’
SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place 8th – 10th July 2011 at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. For tickets and more info go to www.sonispherefestivals.com
Line Up So Far
THE BIG 4 – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX
BIFFY CLYRO
SLIPKNOT
AIRBOURNE
ALESTORM
ALL TIME LOW
ARCH ENEMY
ARCHITECTS
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER
BLACK TIDE
DIAMOND HEAD
FIREWIND
FOUR YEAR STRONG
FOZZY
GALLOWS
GOJIRA
GRINSPOON
HOUSE OF PAIN
IN FLAMES
INME
KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES
KILLING JOKE
LIMP BIZKIT
THE MARS VOLTA
MASTODON
MOTÖRHEAD
ONE MINUTE SILENCE
OPETH
PARKWAY DRIVE
PERIPHERY
PROTEST THE HERO
RISE TO REMAIN
SIX HOUR SUNDOWN
SUM 41
THE SISTERS OF MERCY
THE TREATMENT
VOLBEAT
WATAIN
WEEZER
YOU ME AT SIX
THE BIG 4 – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX
BIFFY CLYRO
SLIPKNOT
AIRBOURNE
ALESTORM
ALL TIME LOW
ARCH ENEMY
ARCHITECTS
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER
BLACK TIDE
DIAMOND HEAD
FIREWIND
FOUR YEAR STRONG
FOZZY
GALLOWS
GOJIRA
GRINSPOON
HOUSE OF PAIN
IN FLAMES
INME
KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES
KILLING JOKE
LIMP BIZKIT
THE MARS VOLTA
MASTODON
MOTÖRHEAD
ONE MINUTE SILENCE
OPETH
PARKWAY DRIVE
PERIPHERY
PROTEST THE HERO
RISE TO REMAIN
SIX HOUR SUNDOWN
SUM 41
THE SISTERS OF MERCY
THE TREATMENT
VOLBEAT
WATAIN
WEEZER
YOU ME AT SIX
You Me At Six, All Time Low, Sum 41 and more for Sonisphere Knebworth 2011
Surrey superstars YOU ME AT SIX make their SONISPHERE debut at KNEBWORTH this year.
“We are really excited to play Sonisphere!” says frontman Josh Franceschi. “It’s going to be a lot of fun performing at such a great rock festival.”
In just a few short years, Josh, Chris, Dan, Matt and Max have gone from hitching low-fare rides on the megabus to get to their shows up and down the UK, to traveling across the globe in tour buses supporting the likes of Angels & Airwaves, Fall Out Boy and Paramore in huge arenas, as well as packing out clubs and theatres at their own headline shows, including two sold out nights at the Hammersmith Apollo. When debut “Take Off Your Colours” was released in 2008, the album propelled YOU ME AT SIX into the UK Top 30 (number 25). That their second album peaked at number 5 just two years later is testament to the band’s meteoric ascent, which shows no sign of slowing down on the road to SONISPHERE, where we look forward to fan faves such as “Save It For The Bedroom”, “Finders Keepers” and “Underdog”.
Baltimore, Maryland’s ALL TIME LOW join the SONISPHERE festivities, bringing with them a bag of hook-laden, guitar driven party tricks. ALL TIME LOW has emerged as one of the most popular new bands in recent memory, beloved by an increasingly fervent fan following for their fast-paced and fizzy brand of pop-punk. Currently on a sold out tour of the UK, the ALL TIME LOW of 2011 pay little resemblance to the covers band that formed in high school, with a catalogue of their own hits such as “Weightless”, “Lost In Stereo” and “Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don’t)” with which to dazzle the revelers at KNEBWORTH.
Canadian alt-punks SUM 41 make their way from Ajax, Ontario to deliver a plethora of infectiously catchy pop-laden punk. Having spent nearly all of last year on the road, including their 4th headlining run on the 2010 US Vans Warped Tour, SUM 41 are gearing up to release the most long-awaited new studio album of their career, “Screaming Bloody Murder”, at the end of March. If the first single of the same name is anything to go by, fans are in for a treat, as the multi-platinum, multi-million selling four-piece showcase brand new songs to UK festival goers for the first time this summer at SONISPHERE, as well as old favourites like “Fat Lip”, “In Too Deep”, “Still Waiting” and their homage to metal, “Pain For Pleasure”.
Reforming in celebration of their 20 year anniversary, it is with great excitement that SONISPHERE welcomes HOUSE OF PAIN to 2011’s event, as part of a worldwide reunion tour. It’s hard to believe that the rowdy Irish Americans got started way back in 1991, but for the past 20 years the group has maintained a high profile – topping the Billboard charts as a group and with solo efforts. It was the turn of a new decade when HOUSE OF PAIN changed the face of hip-hop with their self-titled debut album, going multi-platinum and launching one of the most memorable songs in hip-hop history with “Jump Around”. Now, Everlast and Danny Boy bring their fiery live show to get the masses at KNEBWORTH to jump up and get down, with hits like “Shamrocks & Shenanigans”, “Top O’ The Morning To Ta”, and, of course, THAT song.
Also joining the 2011 line up are melodic extreme metallers ARCH ENEMY, one of the leading lights of the death metal scene. Starting life as something of a side-project, in their 15 years ARCH ENEMY have battled their way out of the underground to become one of extreme metal’s most prolific acts, achieving numerous chart positions across the globe, including the prestigious US Billboard charts. High profile tours and festival appearances showcasing incredible musicianship and fiercely aggressive live shows have made ARCH ENEMY a favourite amongst fans at the heavier end of the music spectrum, who can expect an shred-tastically impressive set at SONISPHERE.
PERIPHERY has set the metal world alight with their self-styled “Djent” metal, injecting a new sense of excitement around this buzzing new sub-genre. Combining the complex atypical rhythms and technical precision of math rock with the sensational brutality of progressive metal, PERIPHERY is a band that is constantly pushing the envelope, and are bound to impressive any who witness what will be a stunning display of musical and technical mastery. Says the band:
“To say that we are pumped to play Sonisphere in the UK is an understatement. Not only do we get to come back and play for some of the best fans anywhere, but we get to do it at the UK’s premier summer music festival!”
Australian alternative-rockers GRINSPOON announce their inclusion at SONISPHERE 2011, hot off the back of their UK tour which ended in London this last weekend. With no less than 13 Australian Recording Industry Association awards nominations – including a win – to their name, as well as numerous platinum records in their home country, find out what the fuss is about at their SONISPHERE debut this summer.
Wrestling and rock have a long history together, a natural partnership that led to pro-wrestler Chris Jericho teaming up with Stuck Mojo guitarist Rich Ward to create FOZZY, who join this year’s cast. Existing solely to rock hard, be that playing popular metal classics or their own material, FOZZY’s reputation for powerful and energetic live shows make their appearance at SONISPHERE 2011 one that promises to be a fun-packed celebration of good old heavy metal.
Limp Bizkit return for Sonisphere Knebworth 2011
Armed with new songs off of the forthcoming “Gold Cobra” album, the appearance marks the first opportunity for fans to hear the new songs live in this country, as well as smash hit singles like “Rollin”, “Nookie”, “Break Stuff”, “My Way” and many more.
The last time THE SISTERS OF MERCY played at an outdoor UK festival, shell-suits were being swapped for baggy jeans, home taping was the biggest danger to the recording industry and the world wide web had just been made publicly available on the internet for the first time. A lot has changed since then, but the unclassifiable blend of rock, pop, punk, dance and psychedelia that THE SISTERS OF MERCY are famous for has stood the test of time, becoming classic in its own right. It is with huge pride and excitement that we welcomeTHE SISTERS OF MERCY to SONSIPHERE for this rare festival appearance – their first in the UK in 20 years – and the midnight outing of unforgettable songs such as “Dominion”, “Temple Of Love” and “This Corrosion”.
Welsh rockers KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES join the SONISPHERE line up this year. As an unsigned band, KIGH garnered a huge amount of support from the rock press and media, more than many established bands could hope for. Having played alongside the likes of Lostprophets, Manic Street Preachers, 30 Seconds To Mars and many more , demand for the band was stratospheric by the time their debut album was released in 2008. In the few short years since then, their ascent shows no sign of slowing down and with work on a new album set to commence in the near future, there’s a chance fans at SONISPHERE could be hearing some brand new tracks alongside favourites such as “Me Me Me”, “Easy Tiger”, “Give Me What I Want” and “Matters At All”.
GALLOWS are no strangers to SONISPHERE, having lain waste to BOHEMIA last year. It’s been quite a year for the Watford punks; performing at RATM’s victory parade in London, secret sets at Reading and Leeds and revisiting their roots on the “Back To The Dives” tour, culminating in an extremely moving and emotional set at London’s Electric Ballroom at the end of last year. In 2011, the beast is being freed from the cage, with GALLOWS leaving the tent behind for the great outdoors. Guitarist Lags comments:
“Now we’re playing outdoors which means there’s even more space for you, yes YOU, to get wild with us on the Saturday.”
Towards the end of 2003, the UK lost one of its most prized possessions when ONE MINUTE SILENCE announced they were taking an indefinite break. With a fanbase built largely on the reputation of their live shows where anything could (and did) happen, where roofs were once raised and walls shook with the raw energy of OMS’s politically charged alt-metal their absence was felt in venues across the country,. Now, after an eight year hiatus, ONE MINUTE SILENCE return to fill the void at SONISPHERE. Frontman Yap warns:
“Been too long. Missing the pit, missing the vibe, missing the fans. Time for round two. Unfinished business. Expect mayhem.”
Having performed at numerous shows on the European leg of SONISPHERE 2010, VOLBEATmake their KNEBWORTH debut this year after being forced to cancel last year’s scheduled UK tour. Frontman Michael Poulsen can hardly contain his excitement:
“We’re delighted to be at Sonisphere in the UK this Summer; we did appear at some of the Sonisphere events in Europe last year, playing on the same bill as The Big 4, which was an amazing experience. And now we feel like spoilt kids cos we’re getting the chance to do it all over again in the UK! This show means a lot, because we had to cancel the UK tour we had lined up late last year. We were really upset not to be able to come over, but I saw the doctor after a show in Hamburg and he advised me not to continue with the tour – I was having terrible pains in my chest and down the left side of my body, I could hardly breathe… Anyway, we’re back on track now – see you at Sonisphere!”
Making their only UK festival appearance of 2011, French metal powerhouse GOJIRA join the line up at SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH. With sonically dense sounds and bludgeoningly heavy rhythms, GOJIRA have let their music do the talking, working their way through the underground while prolific contemporaries champion their cause, resulting in tours alongside the likes of Lamb Of God, Children Of Bodom and even being hand-picked by Friday night headliners METALLICA to support them on their US tour in 2009. Their set at KNEBWORTHpromises to be one of the hardest hitting of the weekend, and one not to be missed.
Homegrown heroes InMe return to SONISPHERE this year, after having had such a blast last year. “We’re honoured and absolutely over the moon to be returning to Sonisphere!” say the band, who ended 2010 performing all four studio albums in their entirety at four separate sold out shows. “The show last year was easily one of the best times we’ve ever had as a band and we hope to step things up even more in the Bohemia Tent this year. People overuse the word ‘epic’ but last year’s Sonisphere weekend was exactly that, in capitals. EPIC! Colossal love to all of the Sonisphere team from InMe!”
Fresh off a UK tour with Darkest Hour, Canadian prog-metal mentalists PROTEST THE HEROcome to SONISPHERE for the first time, armed with a heap of new songs from the forthcoming “Scurrilous” album, released next month. Guitarist Tim Millar states:
“We haven’t played many festivals in Europe and hear so many amazing things! I’m stoked to be a part of Sonisphere and getting a full European festival experience this summer. Not to mention all the great bands we will be performing alongside”
SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place 8th – 10th July 2011 at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. For tickets and more info go to www.sonispherefestivals.com
Line Up So Far
THE BIG 4 – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX
BIFFY CLYRO
SLIPKNOT
AIRBOURNE
ARCHITECTS
DIAMOND HEAD
GALLOWS
GOJIRA
IN FLAMES
INME
KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES
LIMP BIZKIT
MASTODON
MOTÖRHEAD
ONE MINUTE SILENCE
PARKWAY DRIVE
PROTEST THE HERO
THE SISTERS OF MERCY
VOLBEAT
WEEZER
Weezer, Airbourne & Architects set for Sonisphere 2011
Flying in from Los Angeles, California, Alt-Rock Superstars WEEZER make their KNEBWORTH debut at SONISPHERE this summer. WEEZER are one of the biggest, most popular bands to emerge from the alternative rock scene of the 90s, with more Gold, Platinum and Silver (records) under their belts than Fort Knox, a string of notable awards nominations – including the prestigious Grammy – and an impressive list of chart positions. All this will come as no surprise to anyone who has had the pleasure of hearing frighteningly infectious power-pop classics like “Buddy Holly”, “Hash Pipe”, “Undone – The Sweater Song”, “Beverly Hills” and “Pork and Beans”, and it is with great excitement that we look forward to hearing these at WEEZER’s only English festival appearance of 2011.
Next up, coming in from Warrnambool, Australia, AIRBOURNE return to KNEBWORTH to deliver a raucous set of potent rock and roll fury. “We love playing the Sonisphere festivals!” States Frontman Joel O’Keeffe. “It’s always a great line up of bands and it’s always a great crowd!“
He should know; in 2009, AIRBOURNE tore SONISPHERE a proverbial “new one”, running wild and free across the SATURN stage, even scaling it at one point so Joel could hammer out a lead on the scaffolding. One can only wonder what AIRBOURNE’s only UK festival performance of 2011 holds in store as they belt out fist-pumping anthems such as “Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast”, “Diamond In The Rough” and “No Way But The Hard Way”.
Making the somewhat shorter journey from Brighton, homegrown heroes ARCHITECTS make their first festival appearance in this country in support of new album “The Here And Now”, which was released one week ago today. Never has an album been more aptly titled, with the band currently on the cover of Metal Hammer magazine while their latest single enjoys daytime play on national radio, and the album receives rave reviews across the rock media, earning it a top 75 chart position (57) in its first week. Frontman Sam Carter enthuses:
“UK festivals are always a massive deal for us because it’s basically the biggest gathering of Architects fans we can play to, and this year you know it’s going to be special because the line up for Sonisphere is INSANE. It’s also a big deal because it’ll be our first UK festival since our new record ‘The Here And Now’ came out and that record was built for festivals! We’ll see everyone at Sonisphere 2011!!!”
Last, but by no means least, heavy metal pioneers DIAMOND HEAD come to KNEBWORTH for the biggest and most exciting show of their thirty-five year career. Hugely influential, to the point that it’s doubtful there would be a BIG 4 without them, DIAMOND HEAD’s appearance will be a special one. When METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX made metal history at SONISPHERE BULGARIA last year summer, they chose DIAMOND HEAD’s “Am I Evil” to jam with all seventeen members, a testament to what a unifying force their music is. Founding member and guitarist Brian Tatler says of the upcoming appearance:
“Diamond Head have been given the fantastic opportunity of opening for the BIG 4 at this years Sonisphere festival, Knebworth Friday 8th July. This will be Diamond Head’s biggest ever show and myself and the other band members are very excited and looking forward to what will be an historic event. Knebworth is one of those venues you only dream of playing. I saw Led Zeppelin there in 1979 and never imagined that one day I would be on that stage, it proves the saying ‘anything is possible’! It also means I get to see my friends in Metallica and Megadeth once again which is always fun; I owe both Lars Ulrich and Dave Mustaine a beer.”
SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place 8th – 10th July 2011 at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. For tickets and more info go to www.sonispherefestivals.com
Line Up So Far
THE BIG 4 – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX
BIFFY CLYRO
SLIPKNOT
AIRBOURNE
ARCHITECTS
DIAMOND HEAD
IN FLAMES
MASTODON
MOTÖRHEAD
PARKWAY DRIVE
WEEZER
Motörhead, Mastodon and more added to Sonisphere 2011 lineup
KNEBWORTH HOUSE has long played host to many rock heavyweights, so it is fitting that one of the most legendary and influential bands of all time make their entry in its guestbook. MOTÖRHEAD make their debut appearance at SÖNISPHERE UK this summer, giving fans their first chance to see songs from the recently released “The Wörld Is Yours” album in a festival setting. The embodiment of all that is Rock’n’Roll, despite playing what Lemmy describes as “raucous, arrogant, paranoid, speedfreak rock n roll”, MOTÖRHEAD are a household name the world over, with successes too numerous to count across their 35 year career.
MOTÖRHEAD are more than just a band – MOTÖRHEAD are a mindset, a belief, a way to live your life, and fitting governors for the society of tens of thousands that will dwell KNEBWORTH’S grounds in search of a loud, party weekend July 8th – 10th. With classics such as “Overkill”, “Bomber”, Born To Raise Hell” and “Ace Of Spades” providing the soundtrack, SONISPHERE is set for its loudest weekend yet.
MASTODON return to KNEBWORTH this summer, having played at the inaugural SONISPHERE back in 2009. Their progressive take on metal has seen them become one of the scene’s biggest names in recent years, with both critics and fans alike heaping high praise on their outstandingly skilled musicianship and songwriting skills. Such is their appeal their hard work has resulted in fans in the mainstream turning their heads, making MASTODON one of those rare metal bands that everyone seems to agree on, resulting in platinum records, Grammy awards nominations and high profile fans.
But on stage, plugged in and ready to rock out is where MASTODON truly shine. With majestic offerings like “March Of The Fire Ants”, “Blood And Thunder” and “Sleeping Giant”, MASTODON’s set at KNEBWORTH this summer will be one that all who witness will remember, and one you do not want to miss.
Festivals are always a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, and there’s no reason why the stage should be any different to the campsite in that respect. SONISPHERE is delighted to reveal the return of IN FLAMES to the UK, who will make their first appearance on these shores since 2009’s Taste Of Chaos tour. Breaking out of the 90s Swedish Death Metal scene, IN FLAMES have gone on to become one of the country’s biggest musical exports, selling millions of albums around the world, receiving numerous awards and achieving an impressive list of chart positions. Currently working on their next release, the band checked in to tell us:
“We have been in the studio since October recording our new album and we can’t wait to come out and play the new song live. The UK has always been very good to us and we love coming back so this is something we really look forward to” – In Flames
Making the long journey over from Down Under, Australia’s PARKWAY DRIVE pay their first visit to SONISPHERE, bringing with them an arsenal of mosh-inducing metalcore. Consistently delivering fierce and energetic live shows, PARKWAY DRIVE have earned a reputation for unforgettable performances, through hard work and heavy touring with the likes of Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Bleeding Through and many more. Hot off the back of a UK tour, the promise of PARKWAY DRIVE’s exclusive festival appearance at SONISPHERE is one that is bound to excite the fans as much as the band:
“Holy crap they’re actually letting us play this thing!!!” shouts vocalist Winston McCall. “Sonisphere 2011!!! I don’t think we can really describe how excited we are to play, and I think Jeff will probably die when Metallica play!”
With all three headliners already confirmed – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH & ANTHRAX, aka THE BIG 4 on Friday, BIFFY CLYRO Saturday and SLIPKNOT on Sunday – SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH is already offering the most impressive names so far for summer 2011. What will undoubtedly be an incredible weekend, SONISPHERE hits the UK on Friday July 8th 2010 – and, as anyone who has been to previous SONISPHERE festivals will know, Friday night is party night. 2011 will be no different, with this year’s theme being Superheroes. Last year saw some great Rocky Horror costumes, and with prizes on offer for the best dressed, don’t think donning your old speedos over your jeans will cut it – only truly heroic efforts will be rewarded!
SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place 8th – 10th July 2011 at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. For tickets and more info go to www.sonispherefestivals.com
Line Up So Far
THE BIG 4 – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX
BIFFY CLYRO
SLIPKNOT
IN FLAMES
MASTODON
MOTÖRHEAD
PARKWAY DRIVE