SLIPKNOT are proud to announce they will return in 2011 to headline the UK’s Sonisphere Festival. The weekend event at the world famous Knebworth site is set to happen from Friday 8th – Sunday 10th July.

The band’s 2011 summer shows will mark their first without founding member, Paul Gray who tragically passed away earlier this year, so will be an emotional and bittersweet experience for both the band and their fiercely loyal fanbase.

Slipknot have always considered the UK their ‘home from home’, with Brit crowds embracing their cathartic and ferociously heavy sound from day one. 1999’s debut album, ‘Slipknot’ is today considered a true classic and what followed was a meteoric rise to superstardom, the likes of which the metal scene had never seen- Top 40 singles, sold-out arena tours and a media frenzy that left no one in any doubt that SLIPKNOT’s impact on the musical landscape would be a permanent one. Since then, the UK fans have ensured every subsequent album racked up a Top 5 chart position – with ‘Iowa’ reaching the No.1 slot – and there is always a rabid response when they occupy our arenas and festival fields.

Slipknot’s album cycle for their fourth studio album, ‘All Hope Is Gone,’ was their most successful to date, seeing the band notch up their first US No.1 album, numerous sold-out arena shows around the globe and a top-selling DVD, ‘(sic)nesses’ which documented their landmark headline slot at the Download festival in 2009; a performance that is now the stuff of legend.

Expect their Sonisphere show to be equally incendiary, as the iconic Iowan band prepare to honour Paul Gray’s memory and musical career with their Knebworth appearance. Their statement reads:

“We’re looking forward to spending our summer in Europe. This tour is about us and our fans. It’s about celebrating the life of our brother, Paul and his legacy. The door is neither open nor closed. This tour is about burning down that door. See you this summer.”

Who knows what the distant future holds for the band, but one thing is for sure; these shows are going to go down in history. The band hope you will come join them at Sonisphere in 2011 to celebrate and remember their brother, Paul Gray.

For full ticketing and festival information, head on over to the Official Sonisphere Festival Website this coming Monday- December 6th.