Two of heavy metal’s greatest champions, Metallica and Iron Maiden

Two of heavy metal’s greatest champions, Metallica and Iron Maiden, have been

officially confirmed as headliners for Sonisphere 2014 — the European continent-

touring mega-festival first launched to great success in 2009, but which latter

suffered a last-minute cancellation of its UK leg in 2012, and took a year off in

’13.
Now, it appears Sonisphere is ready to return at full strength in 2014, and the UK

dates set for July 4 through 6 at Knebworth Park (the famous site of legendary

concerts past by everyone from Queen to Led Zeppelin) will mark the first occasion in

which Maiden and Metallica have appeared together at one festival.

In what is also presently expected to be both bands’ only UK appearances in 2014,

Metallica has already announced that their setlist will be determined by their own

fans on a “by request” basis, as they purchase their tickets.
As drummer Lars Ulrich told the UK’s Metal Hammer, “This just works on all fronts.

Metallica and Knebworth, Metallica by Request, Metallica and Iron Maiden. We are

soooo excited about the limitless possibilities of our friends picking what songs

Metallica get to perform on this forthcoming evening from the nearly 140 songs we’ve

recorded throughout our ride. Who knows what crazy challenges will be thrown our way?

Maybe a song that has never been performed live before? Maybe a few deep cuts that

haven’t been aired in ages? Maybe a couple of your toe-tapping favorites? An obscure

cover? Whatever happens, it will be unique, it will be special, and it’s all up to

you.”