Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax to Share Stage for First Time

It isn't that 'Big Four Tour' we've all been hearing rumors about, but it's close enough. And its not going down in the states, but at least its happening on the same planet. For the first time in history, thrash's Big Four, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax, will share the same stage. It's an announcement that should have thousands of metalheads the world over looking into flights to Poland.

All four bands have been booked for two separate appearances at Sonisphere festivals this summer in Poland and the Czech Republic. Metallica's Lars Ulrich says it's not only amazing that all four bands are still around 25 years later, but never did he think all four bands would "now play together for the first time ... what a mindf---! Bring it on!"

"It's about f---ing time this happened," says Slayer's Kerry King. "And about time the fans finally get what they want. This is f---ing awesome." Anthrax's Scott Ian wholeheartedly agreed. "People been talking about these four bands playing together since 1984," he says. "I believe not only will we live up to the expectations, we will shatter them! No other four bands as influential as the four of us have ever done this. Imagine if the Beatles, [Rolling] Stones, the Who and [Led] Zeppelin had done shows? Or [Black] Sabbath, [Judas] Priest, [Iron] Maiden, Motörhead? Well, I may be getting into some rarified air here but as a fan, that's how big I feel this is."

Of course, the first round of Big Four talk started a few months back and had all four bands touring together in the States. Fans remain optimistic that an announcement will still be forthcoming. At this point, it seems unlikely all four would be able to tour together. After all, who would headline? According to sources, more summer festival appearances are probably more plausible.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for heavy metal fans to see the four greatest heavy metal bands in American history back together on one stage," says Dave Mustaine of Megadeth. "If there are any heads left at the end of this festival that haven't banged, they don't belong there."