"Finally the big four will clash and thrash together!" The 'Big Four' of German thrash metal - Kreator, Sodom, Destruction and Tankard - announce first ever show together

German 'Big Four' thrash festival poster
(Image credit: Press)

Kreator, Sodom, Destruction and Tankard, collectively known as the 'Big Four' of German thrash metal, have booked their first ever show together. 

The four bands will share the bill at the Klash Of The Ruhrpott festival, scheduled for July 20, 2024 at Amphitheater Gelsenkirchen in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. 

Mille Petrozza, frontman of headliners Kreator, says "I'm so happy we have an opportunity to present this package in the best way possible! It's going to be a really special day, full of love and respect…and the most extensive Kreator set ever…prepare for some DEEP CUTS!"

His enthusiasm for the one-off festival is echoed by the frontmen of Sodom, Destruction and Tankard.

You may like

Sodom's Tom Angelripper (aka Thomas Such) says, "I am very happy to finally be able to share the stage with my old companions and friends again. A meeting with these four fantastic bands cannot be surpassed in terms of cult status. It will be a very special event for us and our fans. Until then, please stay healthy and confident. See ya soon..."

Destruction's Marcel 'Schmier' Schirmer adds, "Oh YES — we all have been waiting for this to happen, I am excited that it finally worked out! Hopefully this is the beginning of some more to come! We are super thrilled to be a part of this. Thanks for the invitation, Mille!"

"Good things take time!," says Tankard's Andreas 'Gerre' Geremia. "Finally the big four will clash and thrash together. We feel very proud to be a part of this historical event!"

Tickets for the festival will go on sale on August 2.

Klash of the Ruhrpott poster

(Image credit: Press)
Metal Hammer

Founded in 1983, Metal Hammer is the global home of all things heavy. We have breaking news, exclusive interviews with the biggest bands and names in metal, rock, hardcore, grunge and beyond, expert reviews of the lastest releases and unrivalled insider access to metal's most exciting new scenes and movements. No matter what you're into – be it heavy metal, punk, hardcore, grunge, alternative, goth, industrial, djent or the stuff so bizarre it defies classification – you'll find it all here, backed by the best writers in our game.

Read more
Slayer in 2016
Slayer announce two monster UK shows with Amon Amarth, Anthrax, Mastodon and more
Black Sabbath in the early 1970s
Black Sabbath to reunite to play final show at blockbuster Birmingham event this summer, with Metallica, Slayer, Gojira, Anthrax and many other metal icons supporting
Mystic Festival poster
Mystic Festival is boasting one of 2025's best lineups and one of the most unique and great value metal festival experiences in the world
Chino Moreno, M Shadows, Amy Lee and Vessel singing on stage
Avenged Sevenfold, Deftones, Bring Me The Horizon, Sleep Token, Bad Omens, Evanescence and more announced for Louder Than Life 2025
Rock Imperium Festival 2025 lineup
Heavy metal, classic rock, prog and beautiful Mediterranean sunshine collide at Spain’s Rock Imperium - one of the most stunning and unique festivals in the world
Killswitch Engage, Parkway Drive, I Prevail and Beartooth performing live
“Strap in for one of the most fun summer shows of your life!” Killswitch Engage, Parkway Drive, I Prevail and Beartooth to co-headline ultra-stacked US metalcore tour
Latest in
Linkin Park 2024
Linkin Park launch "the best song we've ever made" Up From The Bottom
Vera Farmiga in 2021
The Conjuring star Vera Farmiga announces debut album with her heavy metal band The Yagas
'Emo' Ed Sheeran busking
Watch Ed Sheeran cover Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club on the New York subway while disguised as an emo busker
A close-up shot of the Marshall Major IV on-ear headphones on a turquoise, blue and black background.
I’ve never seen the Marshall Major IV headphones this cheap before - get them for half price in Amazon’s big spring sale
Evanescence in 2025
Evanescence release new song Afterlife from Devil May Cry TV series soundtrack, have their next album in the works
Tony Banks
“You only have to hear the opening sweep to reach for your lighter and wave it in the air”: Tony Banks' greatest Genesis moments
Latest in News
Linkin Park 2024
Linkin Park launch "the best song we've ever made" Up From The Bottom
Vera Farmiga in 2021
The Conjuring star Vera Farmiga announces debut album with her heavy metal band The Yagas
'Emo' Ed Sheeran busking
Watch Ed Sheeran cover Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club on the New York subway while disguised as an emo busker
A close-up shot of the Marshall Major IV on-ear headphones on a turquoise, blue and black background.
I’ve never seen the Marshall Major IV headphones this cheap before - get them for half price in Amazon’s big spring sale
Evanescence in 2025
Evanescence release new song Afterlife from Devil May Cry TV series soundtrack, have their next album in the works
Bruce Dickinson in 2024 and a painting of William Blake in 1759
“This deluxe edition contains actual soil from the grave of William Blake”: Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson is releasing a comic book compilation with dirt from the resting place of one of England’s most famous poets