Iron Maiden and Metallica will headline Sonisphere 2014

when it returns to Knebworth on July 4-6 next yearIt’s the first time the iconic bands

have appeared at the same festival in the UK, and it’s the only British appearance of

the year for them both.
Metallica headlined the first Sonisphere in 2009 and Maiden played the leading role

the following year. They’ve returned to ensure the 40th anniversary of the first-ever

music festival at Knebworth Park is a memorable one.

Bruce Dickinson and co end their massive Maiden England world tour with the July

performance. He says: “We all grew up in England well aware of the importance of the

legendary concerts at Knebworth.
“Without being clichéd, it really is an honour and privilege to return with the

purpose of celebrating some of the finest moments in British rock history from

inspirational bands like Pink Floyd, The Who, Zeppelin, The Stones and Genesis.
“It’s very fitting to end a long and hugely enjoyable tour in our own back yard. We

have tweaked the Maiden England setlist a bit to make it more representative of our

whole 80s era, and to give the fans something a bit different, especially as this will

be the last of our three tours with an historical perspective.
“If you’re there on the day it’s highly likely you will hear some of these songs

played live for the very last time ever. You can be sure we will do our utmost to give

our fans one hell of a show and go out with all guns blazing.”
Metallica’s By Request show will also be unique – fans who buy tickets will be

entitled to vote on the band’s setlist, meaning 17 of the 18 tracks they perform will

be by request of the people in the audience. The last track, chosen by the band

themselves, will be a brand new piece.
Drummer Lars Ulrich says: “This just works on all fronts: Metallica and Knebworth,

Metallica by Request, Metallica and Iron Maiden.