SKUNK ANANSIE, FIGHTSTAR
, FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, GALLOWS,
MADINA LAKE, FAMILY FORCE 5 AND
APOCALYPTICA JOIN FESTIVAL LINE UP
A welcome addition to the SONISPHERE line up, in their seven years FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND have chalked up some amazing statistics: the band have sold considerably more than a million records; all four of their albums have gone into the UK Top 20; they have three Gold records; have graced countless magazine covers, been the subject of broadsheet profiles and tabloid features; their tours sell out the nation’s larger venues in a matter of minutes; worldwide – from America to Russia, Singapore to Australia, Japan and beyond – they have a following more loyal than bands considered their equal. And, most importantly, they rock.
Making their SONISPHERE debut this year are British Rockers FIGHTSTAR. 2009 was a hugely successful year for the London four-piece – a top 20 album with their third and most successful record, “be human”; two sold out headline tours which included Shepherds Bush Empire in November; an appearance at T4 on the Beach, Radio 1’s Big Weekend and the iTunes festival as well as having 4 singles playlisted at Radio 1. Their MySpace site has racked up 2.2 million profile views and the band drew huge crowds at the Download and Reading and Leeds festivals. All this leaves FIGHSTAR more than qualified to deliver a memorable set at KNEBWORTH and one you won’t want to miss. Says frontman CHARLIE SIMPSON:
“Playing Sonisphere at the legendary Knebworth ground is going to be incredible! This festival has come out of nowhere to compete with the likes of Download and Reading/Leeds, so it will be an absolute must for any rock fan this summer. There are so many great bands playing over the three days and we are honoured to be part of the line-up.”
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 – apparently a lifelong dream for bassplayer MATTHEW LEONE:
“Meeting the cast of “Revenge of the Nerds”, and playing Sonisphere are the last two things on my bucket list. Come August 2nd, I’ll be that much closer to calling it a life with no regrets.”
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! In the words of Keytarist/Vocalist Naddady “we’re at war. Dancing is our weapon, and our party is ready to pull the trigger.”
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 www.sonispherefestivals.com
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
Tickets available from www.sonispherefestivals.com
AMORPHIS CONFIRM ONLY UK FESTIVAL OF 2010
With a host of metal talent already confirmed for next year’s BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR, organisers can now reveal the first set of headliners for the 10th anniversary event. The awesome pairing comes in the form of Finnish metal monsters CHILDREN OF BODOM and LA Cyber-Metallers FEAR FACTORY.
CHILDREN OF BODOM have defied all odds, breaking out of the so called “Euro-Metal” scene to become one of the biggest names in metal across the globe. 2008’s “Blooddrunk” album saw the band reach new heights, truly being embraced by the metal community, gracing magazine covers worldwide, including that of BLOODSTOCK media partner METAL HAMMER, and a sold-out tour of the UK with BOA 2010 partners CANNIBAL CORPSE. Famed for frontman ALEXI LAIHO’s impossibly fast shredding/soloing, as well as his guitar vs keyboard duels with keysman JANNE WARMEN, COB’s place as headliners of BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR – at their only UK show of 2010 – is testament to how far they’ve come, and is not to be missed. Alexi commented:
“I’m really glad we’re playing Bloodstock next year – it’s the only UK show for us in 2010, and the crowd over there has been awesome for us lately!”
Originating from Los Angeles, California, Industrial metallers FEAR FACTORY’s appearance at BLOODSTOCK 2010 is one we announce with a huge swell of pride. Coming very close to performing at last year’s event after announcing the reunion of guitarist DINO CAZARES and frontman BURTON C BELL, the band changed plans to concentrate on brand new studio album “Mechanize” which is set for a February 2010 release via Candlelight records. We’re delighted that Dino and Burton will be there this year, not least because completing the new line up will be human drum machine and skin-battering legend Gene Hoglan and his ex-Strapping Young Lad bandmate Byron Stroud. Says the band:
” Fear Factory is proud to join the ranks of Bloodstock, the definition of brutality will be revealed.”
Their set of heavy yet groove-laden digitalised metal will be a treat for those in attendance, and we can’t wait to hear classics like “Replica”, “Self Bias Resistor”, “Martyr” and “Edgecrusher” alongside new songs blasted out in the fields of Derbyshire.
Joining the two headliners on the bill are cult Finns AMORPHIS. These increasingly progressive melo-death doomsters have received widespread critical acclaim for their latest album “Skyforger”. Topping many end-of year writer’s polls and receiving rave reviews across the board, AMORPHIS are finally enjoying the success the UK owes them, and we’re delighted to host the band’s first ever UK festival performance at this exclusive set at BLOODTSOCK. Says lead guitarist Esa Holopainen:
“We are really looking forward to Bloodstock festival. Last October we did our first UK – live performance in London, which was a great success, so it feels really good to hit UK again next summer.”
LOOK OUT FOR A SPECIAL HEADLINER ANNOUNCEMENT ON FEB 1ST 2010!!!
The BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR METAL FESTIVAL 2010 will take place at Catton Hall, Derbyshire from 13th – 15th August.
Weekend tickets are on sale now at www.bloodstock.uk.com
BAND LINE UP SO FAR
OBITUARY : ROSS THE BOSS : RAGE : ANDROMEDA : BEHEMOTH : DEVIN TOWNSEND : DORO : LEAVES EYES : SUFFOCATION : DREAM EVIL : CANNIBAL CORPSE : KORPIKLAANI : GWAR : CHILDREN OF BODOM : FEAR FACTORY : AMORPHIS
www.bloodstock.uk.com
Sponsored by Metal Hammer www.metalhammer.co.uk and Scuzz TV www.scuzz.tv
Mick Cocks, the guitarist of Australian rock legends Rose Tattoo, has lost his battle cancer and sadly passed away today (December 22nd.) He had been diagnosed with the cancer of the liver in April of this year. Earlier this year in July, Rose Tattoo performed a benefit show at the Enmore Theatre to help Cocks out. More details are expected to be revealed shortly.
PLACEBO JOIN LINE UP FOR EXCLUSIVE FESTIVAL APPEARANCE
BRING ME THE HORIZON & PAPA ROACH
UK FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVES
* FEAR FACTORY RETURN TO UK*
* HENRY ROLLINS SPOKEN WORD SUNDAY SERMON *
With a line up already boasting IRON MAIDEN, RAMMSTEIN, MÖTLEY CRÜE and SLAYER amongst others, SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH has rolled out another five fantastic acts, showcasing the diversity and range of music it has to offer.
British Alt-rockers PLACEBO returns to the big stage in 2010 for an exclusive festival appearance at KNEBWORTH, having graced the main stage at Reading & Leeds 2009. With over 10 million albums sold, and packed arenas everywhere they go, PLACEBO have achieved huge success in their 15 year career, including the accolade of “Best Alternative” at this year’s MTV Awards. BRIAN MOLKO’s sexually charged glammed up alternative rock is a welcome addition to SONISPHERE, one that highlights the eclectic line up, and we look forward to hits like “Nancy Boy”, “Every You Every Me” and “Pure Morning”.
Flying in from sunny California, PAPA ROACH will be making an exclusive UK festival appearance at SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH. The multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated quartet are known for their outstanding live performances, which frontman JACOBY SHADDIX describes as being “like the last tribal experience”. With hits such as “Last Resort”, “Getting Away With Murder” and latest single “I Almost Told You That I Loved You” in their arsenal, their set will be one to watch.
One of Britain’s hardest working bands, Sheffield’s BRING ME THE HORIZON have built up a dedicated army of followers through countless gigs and festival appearances. If there’s one thing that’s certain about BMTH, it’s that they will provoke some kind of reaction. Bringing back the spirit of rebellion, this band are everything an “extreme” band should be – fiercely heavy, abrasively loud, controversial and completely indifferent to what you think of them, and we’re delighted to have them at KNEBWORTH next summer.
After being forced to pull out of their scheduled SONISPHERE 2009 performance, it’s with great pleasure that we can confirm the return of LA Cyber-Metallers FEAR FACTORY. The band were forced to cancel their 09 appearance to concentrate on their new album, “Mechanized”, which is set for a March 2010 release. SONISPHERE is delighted to offer fans the first chance to see the reunited DINO CAZARES and BURTON C BELL perform classics such as “Replica”, “Edgecrusher” and “Linchpin” in a festival setting in the UK.
The first non-musical act to be announced at next years SONISPHERE is the multi-talented HENRY ROLLINS. The former Black Flag frontman weighs in with one of his astounding spoken word performances for a special Sunday morning sermon at BOHEMIA. With a career that has included fronting a legendary hardcore band, acting in movies and TV productions, presenting shows on both radio and TV and authoring several books, as well as being an activist for various high-profile causes, fans can expect a show full of the wit, humour and insight harvested from his truly unique life.
Many more bands and extra stages to announced in the New Year
Tickets for SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH are on sale now at www.sonispherefestivals.com <http://www.sonispherefestivals.com>
Remember – buy your ticket for SONSIPHERE KNEBWORTH before 31st December 2009 to receive a FREE TICKET for SONISPHERE POLAND to witness METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX perform at the first ever BIG FOUR show.
Line up so far:
IRON MAIDEN **
RAMMSTEIN
ALICE COOPER
ANTHRAX
BRING ME THE HORIZON
THE CULT
FEAR FACTORY *
HENRY ROLLINS (SPOKEN WORD)
IGGY & THE STOOGES
MÖTLEY CRÜE **
PAPA ROACH
PLACEBO
SLAYER
All exclusive UK festival performances except:
** Only UK performance of 2010
* Non-Exclusive
Tickets available from www.sonispherefestivals.com <http://www.sonispherefestivals.com>
Europe – Last Look At Eden (Ear Music)
If anyone had read my recent Chickenfoot cd/dvd review then I pretty much gave away the game on my thoughts of the new Europe album in my closing statement “Seriously though if you are looking to buy some, classic rock loving, family member you know a safe bet of a musical Christmas present then leave that new Bon Jovi cd on the shelf as this, alongside the new Europe album ‘Last look At Eden’ has to top the list for Christmas 2009.”
Okay yes this is one seriously good album on may levels but the main one for me is that this comes from a band who, back in their heyday, I never really cared for! Maybe it was the apparent commercialism surrounding them back then? Probably, and more likeley, it was more jealousy at their good looks! Whatever it was, and I honestly don’t remember, this is all in the past and nowadays I am more than willing to give any of the reformed or revamped bands from the 80’s a second chance and, for the most part, they’ve been coming up trumps but this is truly at a different level as Last Look At Eden is a stunning piece of work!
Europe in 2010 is travelling a heavier, darker, rockier road and Joey Tempest is showing a different style of vocal performance compared to the pop rock style of the 80’s Europe. As a singer in a band myself I love it when people try, and subsequently fail, to pigeonhole you and compare you to a certain singer. I have had people say “you sound like Lou Gramm” and “You sound like Noddy Holder” in the same night! Come on! Make your mind up! Similarly Joey Tempest has developed a unique, and deeper, vocal style of his own and yes you’ll find comparisons but I am loving Joey’s vocal performance on this album.
The songs? Well the albums title track, and opener, Last Look At Eden sets the scene with it’s haunting orchestral accompanyment. I was actually introduced to this track a while ago and when asked “who is this?” I plumped for about five different bands before being told it was indeed Europe! I was hooked and just had to investigate the album further.
Europe have proven with this album that they are still a very valid band in 2009 and the UK tour in 2010 is now a must see for me.
Nige
Europe February 2010 UK Tour -
Very special guest is Diamond Head
Leeds 02 Academy (Feb 18)
Birmingham O2 Academy (Feb 19)
London O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire (Feb 20)
Oxford O2 Academy (Feb 22)
Bournemouth O2 Academy (Feb 23)
Bristol O2 Academy (Feb 24)
Manchester Academy 2 (Feb 26)
Newcastle O2 Academy (Feb 27)
Glasgow O2 ABC (Feb 28).
Ticket Hotline: 0844 477 2000, www.ticketweb.co.uk.
The album ‘Last Look At Eden’ is out now. More info: www.europetheband.com
Chickenfoot – Chickenfoot Ear Music
Yes, yes I hear your cries of “rip off record label just cashing in by re-releasing the same album with a bonus track and a dvd just in time for Christmas!” Well nine times out of ten I would agree with those sentiments but in the case of Chickenfoot things are a little different and perhaps the reason that a behind the scenes DVD wasn’t released with the first pressing was probably due to the fact that they didn’t know if it was going to be as succesful as it has been? Hmmm well 500,000 plus US sales alone would tend to put that question to bed. Chickenfoot has been a real success story and has captured the imagination of the classic rock community on a global scale.
Another, more valid, reason for not issuing a bonus DVD with the original release was probably because at that time the band had no history or live shows available to release. Agreed there was lots of hype but who knew of people would accept this newest supergroup? So why not celebrate the success by giving fans a little bit more of what they like? So what’s different? Well, for starters, the artwork is just a reversal of the orignal cover, black print on white instead of white print on black. The audio cd comes with an extra track ‘Bitten By The Wolf’ and the DVD features various music videos, performances and rehersals from the band recent European tour. The public made it clear that they love Chickenfoot, and although this CD probably won’t go gold again, if it does then buy that marketing man another beer! This is something for fans to hang on to and cherish until the next album, if there will be a next one? Who knows?
I am talking here as if everyone reading is already familiar with Chickenfoot but just in case you have actually been on another planet and don’t know what the music on the album is going to remind you of? Well we’ve got former Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony alongside an established guitar god and a bona-fide powerhouse drummer from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers? C’mon what did you think it was going to remind people of?
Seriously though if you are looking to buy some, classic rock loving, family member you know a safe bet of a musical Christmas present then leave that new Bon Jovi cd on the shelf as this, alongside the new Europe album ‘Last look At Eden’ has to top the list for Christmas 2009.
Nige
The “Deluxe Edition” of Chickenfoot’s debut album is released by earMusic this week. The Deluxe Edition of the eponymous album includes a bonus DVD disc that includes exclusive behind-the-scenes and live footage, plus promo videos for the singles ‘Oh Yeah’, ‘Soap on a Rope’ and ‘Sexy Little Thing’. Visit the official site – www.chickenfoot.us.
Hot on the heels of a smoking, sold out UK tour this September, a tent-busting performance at this year’s Download Festival and a place as special guests on ZZ Top’s UK dates, LA’s metal maestros Steel Panther are to bring their high octane, irresistible blend of hairspray, spandex and awesome Heavy Metal back to the UK to play two shows in March 2010.
Steel Panther are audacious frontman Michael Starr, Stix Zadinia on drums, Satchel on guitar, and bassist Lexxi Foxxx. The four member band, known for their outrageous stage presence and gargantuan guitar riffs have been entertaining fans and scores of rock and entertainment VIPs the length and breadth of Britain, making them one of 2009’s hottest acts and by far the loudest, most entertaining and awesomely rocking band to have hit the live scene for years.
Steel Panther are the embodiment of Heavy Metal and they’ll stop at nothing until they have returned the genre back to it’s rightful place – at the top of the musical food chain. Join them on their quest to bring Metal back and be sure to witness one of the best live shows you’ll probably ever see.
MARCH 2009
THURSDAY 18 - O2 ACADEMY NEWCASTLE
FRIDAY 19 – O2 ACADEMY BRIXTON
19th October 2009 – The UK’s finest ‘Punk n Roll Outlaws’ - The Black Spiders will be joining Dio on their upcoming UK Tour this November.
Ronnie James Dio – The Godfather of Heavy Metal and owner of one of the most powerful and distinctive voices in rock history will be returning to the UK with his band Dio to play 7 dates nationwide this November.
Support for this tour will come from gloriously heavy Sheffield 5 piece Black Spiders who played a triumphant set at Download this year and have supported the likes of Black Stone Cherry.
One not to be missed folks, get your tickets quick!
DIO
Plus Black Spiders
NOVEMBER 2009
Saturday 21 Glasgow O2 Academy
Sunday 22 Sheffield O2 Academy
Tuesday 24 London HMV Forum
Wednesday 25 Birmingham O2 Academy
Friday 27 Manchester Academy
Saturday 28 Lincoln Engine Shed
Monday 30 Bristol O2 Academy
Tickets are onsale now priced £20.00 adv Regional / £24.50 adv London and are available from www.livenation.co.uk
Michael Alexander – 22.06.77 – 05.10.09
Sadly, just a few days into their European tour with Amon Amarth, Evile’s Mike Alexander was suddenly taken ill and rushed to hospital, but tragically passed away in Lulea, Sweden.
Evile members Matt Drake, Ol Drake and Ben Carter paid the following tribute:
“This is so hard to find the words to express fully how we feel. We can’t believe or accept what’s happened. One minute we’re talking to our buddy, Mike, the next minute we can never speak to him again.
“There’s so many things rushing through our heads that we want to say, do and feel. We half expect him to come round the corner and call us ‘dickheads’. We can’t get our heads around it.
“It upsets us so much that he was away from his family when this happened, although knowing Mike, we’re at least glad he was on tour doing what he loves.
“We’re lost for words. We all miss him so much already. He was such a headstrong, genuinely nice guy who loved music and his family. We’ve got so many brilliant memories with him.
“Our hearts go out to his daughter, family and friends at this tragic, difficult time.
“Mike is much loved and is sorely missed.
“Rest in peace, brother.”
Paul Stanley & Tommy Thayer of KISS have taken time out to have a quick interview with Nigel about the fantastic new KISS album ‘Sonic Boom’ and the interview is in rotation so TUNE IN