Monday 2nd December 2013 by Andrew Trendell | Photos by WENN.com

Tags: Sonisphere Festival

Sonisphere has announed its return to the festival circuit in 2014, with Metallica and Iron Maiden confirmed as headliners to next year's Knebworth event. 

The shows mark UK exclusive festival appearances from both Iron Maiden and Metallica, while Metallica will be giving fans the chance to choose their setlist for them.

Vocalist Bruce Dickinson said: "We all grew up in England well aware of the importance of the legendary concerts at Knebworth, and scarily it all seems quite recent! Without being clichéd, it really is an honor and privilege to return to play there with the purpose of celebrating some of the finest moments in British rock history from inspirational bands like Pink Floyd, The Who, Zeppelin, The Stones and Genesis.

"This will be the last concert of our ‘Maiden England’ Tour and it is very fitting to end a long and hugely enjoyable tour in our own back yard. We have tweaked the ‘Maiden England’ set list a bit to make it more representative of our whole 80s era and to give the fans something a bit different, especially as this will be the last of our three tours with an historical perspective. If you are there on the day it is highly likely that you will hear some of these songs played live for the very last time ever.

He added: "So on an occasion like this, a celebration and the end of a chapter, you can be sure we will do our utmost to give our fans one hell of a show and go out with all guns blazing."

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich said: "This just works on all fronts: Metallica and Knebworth, Metallica by Request, Metallica and Iron Maiden. To be invited to co-headline the 40th anniversary celebration at the legendary Knebworth House is truly a mindf*ck. Considering the iconic bands whose performances at Knebworth are part of rock and roll history, it’s not only a next level honor, but a somewhat humbling undertaking. And what could be more fitting on our third Knebworth go-around than to play an all-request set, chosen entirely by the fans?"

We are soooo excited about the limitless possibilities of our friends picking what songs Metallica get to perform on this forthcoming evening from the nearly 140 songs we’ve recorded throughout our ride. Who knows what crazy challenges will be thrown our way?Maybe a song that has never been performed live before? Maybe a few deep cuts that haven’t been aired in ages? Maybe a couple of your toe-tapping favorites? An obscure cover?"

"Whatever happens, it will be unique, it will be special, and it’s all up to you. Add the cherry on top…co-headlining with Iron Maiden, who are a big reason that Metallica exists in the first place. Although we haven’t played together on the same day since 1988, this is the closest we’ve come for 25 years, and for all our fans who share the same love for Iron Maiden as we, the band members do, this will hopefully amount to what many rock fans would consider a dream bill. BRING IT ON!!!"

Fans can vote for Metallica's setlist by visiting here. 

Sonisphere was cancelled in 2012 and did not return in 2013, but organisers have recently promised a huge event in Knebworth Park in 2014 to celebrate 40 years of rock music at the iconic outdoor venue - largely expected to be festival's return, in one form or another. 

The event is set to take place on 4-6 July 2014 at Knebworth, and the organisers announced the return with the rather un-rock and roll image below.

Acts to have played legendary events at Knebworth over the last 40 years include Oasis, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Who, Deep Purple, Genesis and many more. Sonisphere began at Knebworth in 2009 and saw acts such as Metallia, Iron Maiden, Linkin Park and Slipknot. 

Tickets to Sonisphere 2014 are on sale now.  For more information visit Gigwise gig tickets. 

Below: The best of Sonisphere 2011 in photos