Sonisphere 2015 Cancelled Music News by Editor - January 22, 20150 What came as no surprise to some has been a shock for many. Sonisphere (a rock and metal festival which takes place at Knebworth Park) has been cancelled for 2015, confirming the dreaded rumours that have been circulating. So, why was this decided, especially given the huge success of the festival in 2014? On their website, Sonisphere stated that they simply could not find a date that would not clash with other rock-related events. This meant that some bands (which they may have been planning to use for a while) were now unavailable. There have been rumours that financial difficulties are also a reason for the cancellation of this event. Considering the popularity of Sonisphere in 2014, with headliners Metallica, Iron Maiden and The Prodigy, it is surprising that the money generated from this would not finance another event (if these rumours are true of course). But, delaying decisions may actually be the main reason that Sonisphere is not going ahead. While events such as Download, Bloodstock and Reading were having bands announced for 2015, Sonisphere remained eerily silent. These delays, are mostly due to the fact that organisers have stated that they will not put a show on if they do not think it will be good enough for the fans. With bands like Slipknot, Muse and Kiss headlining Download, who can blame them? Yet this reason for the cancellation was used in 2012 and 2013, putting into question which bands the organisers are desperately trying to get? Perhaps, now that this unfortunate news has been confirmed, the organisers will ensure that a date is booked well in advance for next year. Here’s hoping that the show will go on in 2016 and that the organisers will be successful in finding a line-up fit for its fans. By Hanna Anaz