U.S. Big Four Show!

At long last, here’s the news you’ve wanted to hear for many months now: The Big Four are going to play in the United States.

At the Big Four Festival, the four heaviest bands of all time will share the stage once again for a single U.S. appearance. The Big Four—Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax—will play on Saturday, April 23, 2011, at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif. Tickets will be available starting Friday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m. PST through Ticketmaster.

“The excitement continues for heavy metal in 2011,” said Megadeth bassist David Ellefson. “Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax have once again joined forces as the ‘Big Four’ to put together the biggest, baddest and heaviest festival for our fans here on U.S. soil. If you’re a thrash fan, this is a one-time event that must not be missed! Stay tuned here at Jacksonguitars.com for more info and updates as Chris Broderick, Scott Ian and I wield our Jackson axes at the show.”

Anthrax guitarist Ian echoed that sentiment, saying “Obviously I’m so f—ing excited about finally getting to do a Big Four show in the U.S. This is more exciting then the first Big Four show in Europe because it’s home and it’s where it all started. I expect it to be insane! Start stretching those neck muscles!”

The Big Four electrified the music world and made metal history in summer 2010 when they united for the first time ever at several Sonisphere Festival shows in Europe. Speculation abounded for months afterward that the four bands would bring the spectacle to the United States, but this morning’s announcement makes it official. Watch this video: