Now that we’ve had time to digest the first round Soundwave 2013 lineup, punters everywhere are attempting to put 2 and 2 together to come up with what we can expect on the next announcement. Now while some people are coming up with some pretty legit answers, it’s starting to look as though the only answer people want is 4. The Big 4 that is.
Update 17/08: Soundwave 2013 lineup has been announced! Check out it right here
It’s no surprise that Soundwave are planning big things for their 10th birthday bash next year, but the question is how big? As good as it looks for the other half of the 4 to be announced, with Metallica and Anthrax already locked in, there is still a massive question mark over Slayer and Megadeth being announced. AJ himself vaguely denied Megadeth, though he also vaguely denied Metallica. Maddah can be quite cryptic with his tweets but is not known for bullshitting people, very much the opposite.
The Herald Sun‘s Nui Te Koha commented: “Soundwave promoters are understood to have made a pitch to the so-called Big Four – Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax. But scheduling was a hurdle”. Nui has a habit of being right as often as he’s wrong, though with the recent Soundwave buzz, he seems to be pretty much on the knocker.
A further sticking point would have to be that Anthrax isn’t a headliner. They are a main act, and unless Soundwave plan on changing the bill to make them a headliner, they will be performing earlier on in the day. And let’s face it, the big 4 are big for a reason: they’re born headliners.
That all said, there is also evidence to state that they will come. Both Slayer and Megadeth have confirmed new albums for 2013 and Mustaine has confirmed that 2012 was tricky for them, but they’re hoping to come to Australia in 2013 (See below tweet). Slayer also bailed on the Sydney show last time so they owe AJ a favour and let’s face it, it’s about time the Big 4 toured here.
However, with 22 bands still to be announced, it’s totally open season as to who’s been booked. And if we only get to see half of the big 4, that’s huge.
Update 20:09pm: Soundwave promoter AJ Maddah says Metallica will play a 2 hour setwhich makes it seem unlikely ‘The Big Four’ will appear.
Update 17/08: Soundwave 2013 lineup has been announced! Check out it right here
@jacksonillomen because no one will agree to play on ot for the 2hrs+ that metallica are playing.
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) August 9, 2012
Update 22:53pm: Soundwave Promoter AJ MAddah: “This is not a big 4 gig”
@CanberraCrusada this is not a big 4 gig.
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) August 9, 2012
@ScopeSlayer None are likely tbh.
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) June 18, 2012
@les0003 all great ideas!
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) May 13, 2012
Megadeth Australia 2012? Dave Mustaine: 'Not this year, but we are discussing Australian dates currently with our international agent'.
— ???? ????? ??? (@thatmetalman) July 17, 2012
@MetalMan85 big!
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) August 8, 2012
