Anthrax will still bring the noise to Sonisphere with John Bush

plus Paradise Lost, and Bjorn Again announced for Knebworth festival

By Scott Williams | Published: Wed 22nd Jul 2009

Sonisphere 2009

Saturday 1st to Sunday 2nd August 2009
Knebworth House, Hertfordshire, SG1 2AX, England MAP
£132.50 for both days, £157.50 with camping; parking £10, day tix £67.50

Daily capacity: 60,000

Sonisphere organisers have confirmed that Anthrax will still appear at next month's Sonisphere festival line-up, despite losing their current vocalist permanently to illness.

The band, who have cancelled much of their European tour due to the departure of singer Dan Nelson, have announced they will be fronted by ex-lead singer John Bush. Festival goers will now have the chance to witness what is most likely John Bush's final appearance with Anthrax. The band have released the following statement:

"As announced last week, thrash legends Anthrax regretfully cancelled the first three dates on the second leg of their European tour due to new vocalist Dan Nelson's unexpected illness. An additional seven European dates are also cancelled, those scheduled from July 22 to July 30. Anthrax is thrilled to announce that they will play the August 1 Sonisphere festival in Knebworth, England, with their good friend John Bush joining them for a very special one off performance.

"The members of Anthrax have confirmed the departure of vocalist Dan Nelson. In light of this development, Anthrax's slot on the U.S. Slipknot dates set for August and September, has also been cancelled. Anthrax is already actively considering lead singer candidates, and looks forward to hitting the road before the end of the year."

In addition festival organisers have added Paradise Lost to the line-up. The Goth Metallers will be taking to the Saturn Stage on Sunday. Frontman Nick 'Moans' Holmes said, "Really excited about playing the festival as we haven't played the UK for a while! It'll be an early show. I just hope the crowd consists of more than just Milkmen, Postmen and earthworms..."

Finally, in a bit of a departure from the rock line-up Bjorn Again have been confirmed for the Saturn stage on Saturday. As part of their encore they'll even cover a Metallica number in homage to the festival's headliners.

The headliners for Sonisphere are Linkin Park, and Metallica, with Avenged Sevenfold, Nine Inch Nails, Heaven And Hell, Coheed & Cambria, Anthrax, Alice in Chains, Feeder, Taking Back Sunday, Skindred, Thunder, The Wildhearts, Mastodon, Airbourne, Killing Joke, Lamb Of God, and a few special guests. For the line-up details and rumours of who might be playing, please click here.

Weekend tickets are priced at £132.50, or £157.50 with camping. Lockers are priced at £10, and parking is also £10 in advance or £20 on the day. And early arrival camping entry ticket is priced at £10, and tickets for camper vans are priced at £40. Day tickets are available priced at £67.50 for either day.

To buy weekend or day tickets, click here.

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