In the eight years between 2001 – 2009, SKUNK ANANSIE left a gaping hole in the UK rock scene, so we’re delighted that these recently reformed rockers will be joining the Sonisphere 2010 Knebworth line up.  The multi-platinum selling act came crashing onto an unsuspecting rock scene back in 1994 with what lead singer Skin labelled “Clit-Rock” – described as an amalgam of heavy metal and black feminist rage. They went on to conquer the world with their unique style, with their impressive live show securing nominations at various awards ceremonies. Now, the attendees of Sonisphere Knebworth get to see why, as the band deliver hits such as ‘Weak’, ‘Charity’ and ‘All I Want’.
 
Unless you’ve had your head buried in the sand for the last three years, GALLOWS is a name synonymous with attitude, aggression and hardcore punk rock. Since 2007, the fearless Frank Carter and co have punished music fans the world over with their refreshingly real take on punk, earning a reputation as one of the most formidable live acts on the scene. Like the demented grandchildren of Sonisphere stage sharers IGGY & THE STOOGES, GALLOWS promise to bring an element of danger to the weekend’s proceedings, as they spit out tracks like ‘Abandon Ship’, ‘In The Belly Of A Shark’ and Top 40 single ‘Staring At The Rude Bois’.
 
Flying in from Chicago, MADINA LAKE bring their catchy blend of pop-punk and alt-rock to the Sonisphere stage. Since their first outing here, the band’s rise in the UK has been nothing short of spectacular. First hitting the UK in support of PARAMORE in late 2006, the band found themselves selling out the very same venues they were opening at mere months later, and the success story snowballed from there. Gracing numerous magazine covers, securing best international newcomer at the 2007 Kerrang! Awards and subsequently appearing on the 2008 Kerrang! Tour, by the time 2009’s ‘Attic’s To Eden’ was released, MADINA mania was unstoppable, and shows no sign of stopping as they make their way to Sonisphere 2010.

FAMILY FORCE 5 is one of the great success stories of artist development in contemporary music today. Their debut CD has quietly scanned 125,000 + copies and their live show has been seen by tens of thousands, earning them a reputation as one of the hardest working band’s in America, with a performance that is second to none. You may have heard Fearne Cotton giving UK debut single ‘Dance or Die’ a spin or two, or maybe you caught these guys tearing it up across the UK in February with Cobra Starship. FAMILY FORCE 5 returns to the UK for their first ever UK festival performance at Sonisphere Knebworth; Expect hip shaking, move making, sing-a-long dance rock a plenty!
 
Formed initially as a tribute to last year’s Sonisphere headliners METALLICA in 1993, APOCALYPTICA have become leading force in their own right. Armed with three cellos and a metal-as-hell drummer, APOCALYPTICA have become a firm festival favourite, as they offer alternative takes on bands such as METALLICA, SEPULTURA and PANTERA, as well as their own material. Don’t let the presence of classical instruments fool you – these Finns play hard and heavy, and will have no problem working up a frenzy amongst those in attendance.
 
 
Look out for a very exciting announcement with more bands next week, and many more acts to be announced in the coming weeks and months.
 
 
Tickets for Sonisphere Knebworth are on sale now at: (Sonisphere Knebworth)
 
 
Line up so far:
 
IRON MAIDEN **
RAMMSTEIN *
ALICE COOPER *
ANTHRAX *
APOCALYPTICA *
BRING ME THE HORIZON *
THE CULT *
FAMILY FORCE 5
FEAR FACTORY
FIGHTSTAR
FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND
GALLOWS
HENRY ROLLINS (SPOKEN WORD) *
IGGY & THE STOOGES *
MADINA LAKE
MÖTLEY CRÜE **
PAPA ROACH *
PLACEBO *
SLAYER *
SKUNK ANANSIE 
** Only UK performance of 2010
* Exclusive Festival Performance
 

* MORE BIG FOUR APPEARANCES AT SONISPHERE SHOWS PLANNED *

The world wide web has been abound with speculation on a possible “BIG FOUR” tour for several months. Now, Sonisphere can exclusively reveal that METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX will play together for the first time in history, in a move that will have metalheads across the globe frenzied with excitement.

These four legendary acts broke out of the underground thrash movement to dominate the metal world in the 1980s, selling millions of records and packing arenas across the globe. The metal giants have never before all shared the same stage, despite huge demand. But on 16th June 2010, METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX will take to the Sonisphere stage at Bemowo Airport, Poland, to make the dreams of headbangers the world over become a reality. A second Big Four appearance is planned for Sonisphere Czech Republic three days later, with more Sonisphere shows featuring the awesome combo to be announced in the coming days and weeks.

“This is a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity for Heavy Metal “Fans” to see the four greatest Heavy Metal “Bands” in American History back together on one stage” concludes MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine. “If there are any heads left at the end of this Festival that haven’t banged, they don’t belong there.”

Tickets for Sonisphere Knebworth with Poland offer *(see below) are on sale now at
(Sonisphere Festival)

*As revealed last Tuesday, the first several thousand tickets purchased for the UK Sonisphere at Knebworth on 30th July – 1st August – headlined by IRON MAIDEN and RAMMSTEIN - came with a free ticket for Sonisphere Poland. With the BIG FOUR news, this has just become the offer of the decade! Unfortunately the Big 4 will not be playing Sonisphere Knebworth or ANY other UK festival, but to make sure as many people as possible can witness this historic event, the offer has been extended so that you are GUARANTEED to get a Poland ticket if you buy a Sonisphere Knebworth ticket (£157.50 for a weekend ticket incl. camping) before 31st December 2009 (midnight). Never before has one ticket price offered so much value.

As if that’s not bargain enough, Sonisphere has teamed up with Lastminute.com to offer some exclusive discounted travel and accommodation deals for people wishing to attend the Poland event. Whether you just want to see the show or fancy making it a two night adventure in one of Europe’s most intriguing cities, a range of cut-price options to suit your budget and location are available at (Sonisphere Festival)

YOU COULD HAVE TICKETS FOR SONISPHERE POLAND TO WITNESS THE MOST LEGENDARY METAL SHOW COMBO OF ALL TIME, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, FOR FREE!

Tickets for Sonisphere Knebworth with Poland offer are on sale now at (Sonisphere Festivals)

UK line up so far:

IRON MAIDEN **
RAMMSTEIN
ALICE COOPER
ANTHRAX
THE CULT
IGGY & THE STOOGES
MÖTLEY CRÜE **
SLAYER
All exclusive UK festival performances except ** Only UK performance of 2010