Pan-European Sonisphere

Kilimanjaro Live chief Stuart Galbraith and K2 agency boss John Jackson’s bid to make Sonisphere a global festival brand has made rapid headway in the old Eastern Bloc and The Balkans with new events announced in Poland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and Turkey.

They’ve also consolidated the rock extravaganza’s position in Western Europe, adding a new festival in Switzerland. Harry Sprenger of Zurich-based Free & Virgin is reported to be the promoter.

At press time it wasn’t possible to confirm the promoters in every territory, but it’s believed to be Live Nation in Poland, Austrian-based promoter Nova Rock in Czech Republic, Didi Music in Greece, with Marcel Avram taking care of Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.

Metallica, which headlined last year’s Sonisphere, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax, which the festival oragnisers are referring to as the “Big Four,” are all reportedly playing Warsaw at Bemowo Airport June 16 and Prague at Mimon Airport June 19.

The festival will also return to Knebworth House, near London, where the lineup will include Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, Alice Cooper, Iggy & The Stooges, The Cult, Slayer, Anthrax and Rammstein.

The lineups for each festival are still being confirmed.