The Big Four Tour Comes to America, Sort Of

If flying to Europe in June for one of the seven Sonisphere 'Big Four' shows featuring the four most popular thrash metal bands -- Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax -- is out of your price range or doesn't fit your time schedule, there's another option. The June 22 show in Sofia, Bulgaria will be transmitted in HD via satellite to over 450 movie theaters in the U.S. and over 350 theaters across Europe, Canada and Latin America.

Tickets for the simulcast go on sale today in the U.S. and on May 28 internationally and will cost approximately $20 each. Fans can purchase tickets at their local theater box office or online at thebigfourlive.com, which has posted a complete list of theaters offering the telecast. A Metallica statement explained that each band's entire set will not be shown, but adds, 'trust us, you'll see most of the action."

Much has happened since the rumors began that there was going to be a Big Four tour featuring Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson returned to battle by the side of frontman Dave Mustaine, Slayer frontman Tom Araya had major neck and back surgery and is now part cyborg and Anthrax vocalist Joey Belladonna rejoined the band after a four-year hiatus.