Another Missed Sonisphere

The canceling of the UK’s Sonisphere Festival for the second year in succession casts a shadow over the future of what was set to be a global brand.

The press release announcing that Sonisphere 2013 won’t happen claims the festival’s been canceled because it can’t attract “a line-up that sets it apart from the competition,” the same reason given for last year’s cancellation.

On the eve of last year’s ILMC, Galbraith’s Kilimanjaro Live split with former financial partner AEG Live and is still believed to be looking for a replacement.

London music industry rumours are currently pairing Kilimanjaro Live with German ticketing giant CTS Eventim, which could arguably use a UK content provider. Other possibilities include both Australian promoter Paul Dainty and U.K. entrepreneur Richard Branson.

Galbraith recently worked with Dainty and Branson on the Rolling Stones‘ 50th anniversary shows at London’s O2 arena Nov. 25 and Nov. 29.

In 2011 Sonisphere was staged in the UK, Finland, Greece, Turkey, Switzerland, Italy and France, but it appears only Switzerland and Italy will happen in 2013.

The French Sonisphere is at Snowhill Park, Amneville, June 8-9. The Italian leg is in Milan June 9. Iron Maiden is confirmed for both events.