Metallica and more for Sonisphere

European festival series announced

Spain Spain | 09 February 2009

Metallica will headline Sonisphere, a new festival series which will take place all over Europe.

They will be joined by Linkin Park, Lamb Of God and Mastodon when the festival takes place at Knebworth House in England from 1-2 August and Kirjurinluoto in Finland on 25 July.

The same line-up will play Goffertpark in the Netherlands on 20 July and Parc de Forum in Spain on 11 July, except Slipknot will replace Linkin Park.

Die Toten Hosen and Jn Extremo will play join the German event at Hockenheimring, Hockenheim on 4 July, while Metallica are the only name confirmed for the Hultsfred leg of the festival in Sweden on 18 July.

Speaking about playing the festival series, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich said: "We're stoked to be touring England and Europe with Sonisphere. Summer festivals in Europe are what Metallica do best. We can't wait to see all of our fans over there."

50,000 fans are expected at the English leg of the festival, which will have two stages of live music as well as DJs, soundsystems, walkabouts, cinema, freak shows and food stalls.

Tickets go on sale this Wednesday (11 February). A link to buy Sonisphere tickets will be online when available.

The event is the first festival to be set up by former Download Festival boss Stuart Galbraith, who has set up his own event's company Kilimanjaro.