It's difficult to know where to start with the line-up for this year's Sonisphere festival. On one hand, one of British rock's most enduring and popular bands is returning to Knebworth for the first time in 26 years, albeit with a guest vocalist. On the other, the line-up is almost too incredible to ignore. Maybe we'll take it one day at a time.

On Friday 6th July, KISS will be slapping on the greasepaint and getting the party started as they headline a bill that includes metallers Within Temptation and Aussie rockers Wolfmother, with more acts to be announced.

The following night, the festival headlines are likely to belong to bill-toppers Queen, when US vocalist Adam Lambert joins Roger Taylor and Brian May to reprise the band's last ever show with their iconic frontman, Freddie Mercury (in 1986, Knebworth hosted the band's last performance with Mercury before his declining health intervened). For Queen fans, and for Taylor and May, it is likely to be an emotionally charged performance and one that will be ably supported by Evanescence, The Darkness and the comedian Tim Minchin among others.

Sunday 8th July will be no mere footnote as Californian funk-metal legends Faith No More head a bill which also features Incubus, Marilyn Manson, Cypress Hill, Mastodon and more. Wow. They call that 'going out with a bang'.

The UK Sonisphere event takes place at Knebworth in Hertfordshire from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th July. We will have tickets available when they go on sale at 9am on Thursday 23rd February, priced £80 for day passes, £145 for three-day tickets and £170/£180 for three- or four-day tickets with camping.

Freddie would no doubt be humbled to see his band lead up such an impressive roster of talent. Let's rock.

Update: Sonisphere 2012 cancelled

The organisers have decided to cancel the 2012 edition of Sonisphere, citing "a difficult year". Refunds are available from your point of purchase.