The thrash metal bands Slayer, Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth have started a journey on a historical tour for all fans.
The four bands, which have not always seen eye to eye, are playing on the same stage for the first time ever. They united recently for the Sonisphere festival in Poland and will continue on to the Czech Republic and the rest of Europe.
The one show which will be particularly special shall be performed in Sofia, Bulgaria, as it is being show live at the cinema across the world. The show is being shown in two theatres in the UK, Regal Cinemas at the MacArthur Centre in Norfolk and Hampton Town Centre in Hampton. The Bulgaria show is on Tuesday 22nd June.
Some Band Members Views on the Tour
Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich told Classic Rock Magazine: "Who would have thought that more than 25 years after its inception, thrash metal’s ‘Big Four’ would not only still be around and more popular than ever, but will now play together for the first time…what a mindf**k! Bring it on!”
Slayer guitarist Kerry King said: "It’s about f***ing time this happened, about time the fans finally get what they want. This is f***ing awesome.” When talking to Classic Rock Magazine.
The prospect of these four coming together has clearly excited the band members, but it would not have been the case so long ago.
The Reasons Why They Were Not Always A Friendly Four
Of the "Big Four", Metallica and Megadeth have always had a somewhat of a vengeful relationship. Megadeth star and lead man Dave Mustaine was fired from Metallica the year of their first release, Kill 'Em All. From this, an angry Dave Mustaine joined Dave Ellefson to create Megadeth, a band to quote Mustaine: "After getting fired from Metallica, all I remember is that I wanted blood. Theirs. I wanted to be heavier and faster than them".
Most fans will remember the Mechanix saga where while Mustaine was still playing for Metallica, he wrote the song titled Mechanix just before he was kicked out of Metallica. Metallica then proceeded to use the song again, but changed the lyrics, added a new bridge and a melodic guitar solo. They renamed the song The Four Horseman which referred to the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse.
Megadeth then responded by releasing the song with the original lyrics a year later, this song having a much faster tempo. Dave Mustaine was still given credit for Metallica's version, but Mustaine claims he did not want the band using his songs, which Metallica argued was incorrect.
The two songs in Mustaine's words were said to be 'our way' and 'their way' of playing music. However, roughly 20 years later they will all share the stage in what is sure to be a sensational concert.
Lawrence Chamberlain - Hi I'm Lawrence Chamberlain, I'm 21 years-old and have just finished a degree at the University of Brighton studying Sport Journalism. I ...
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