In an announcement that was partially leaked by the good people at Kerrang yesterday, Sonisphere Knebworth have confirmed the latest batch of bands to be added to the festival line up in the UK this July.
Heading the dozen new acts to play Sonispheere Knebworth are legendary US alt-metal group Deftones, who will be taking the special guest slot on the Saturday night before Iron Maiden. Their drummer Abe Cunningham had this to say:
“Greetings to ALL!!! We are absolutely stoked to be part of Sonisphere’s return and of course to have a chance to once again play a show with Iron Maiden, especially on the hallowed grounds of Knebworth. Until then…!!!!”
Making his Sonisphere debut will be UK folk rock hero Frank Turner and his band The Sleeping Souls. Having recently appeared on Celebrity Mastermind with a specialist subject of none other than Iron Maiden, Frank is well placed to be performing at Knebworth this Summer alongside his heroes. Here’s what he had to say:
“I’m excited to be playing Sonisphere this year, and super excited to be playing the same stage as the first band I ever fell in love with – Iron Maiden; it’s definitely going to be my festival highlight for 2014.”
Turning up the fun levels at Sonisphere Knebworth in 2014 will be ska legends Reel Big Fish, who will be appearing on The Saturn Stage on the Sunday. Currently on tour with Less Than Jake and Zebrahead, this will be a welcome quick return to the UK for Reel Big Fish. Joining them will be progressive metallers Protest The Hero, who have also recently been in the UK, on a highly successful tour promoting their latest album Volition.
Returning to Sonisphere for their biggest appearance yet, Scottish pirate metal group Alestorm will be appearing on the Saturn Stage on the Saturday of the festival to bring tales of wenches and rum to Knebworth 2014. Reunited Irish grunge act Kerbdog will also be appearing at Sonisphere 2014, as will stoner rock collective Truckfighters. American punk rockers Only Crime will also be flying in to make their Sonisphere debut, alongside two of the UK’s hottest rising rock bands, Max Raptor and Blitz Kids (you can read Rocksins review of Blitz Kids recently released album The Good Youth right here). Two more homegrown acts round out this collection of artists, in the shape of razorsharp wordsmith Itch, who’s typically sharp humour can be seen by his response to being added to the line-up:
“I’m so excited to be playing Sonisphere, it’ll be my first time there. It’s an honour to be playing the same bill as metal gods such as Chas and Dave”.
Last but not least are British electro rockers Hounds, who also appeared at the last Sonisphere Knebworth back in 2011. These twelve acts join headliners The Prodigy, Iron Maiden and Metallica as well as many other bands (with loads still to be announced). Early bird tickets are still available with prices beginning at £170 and can be purchased from the official site at sonisphere.co.uk as well as the usual online ticket outlets. Further announcements are due in the coming weeks so stay tuned to Rocksins for the details as and when we have them!