The second edition of Sonisphere Bulgaria, set for June 21 and featuring Iron Maiden, Slipknot and Alice Cooper, has been cancelled by the local promoter.

"Due to reasons not in the control of Balkan Entertainment and after instructions of the owner of the license of the Sonisphere Festival in Bulgaria, we announce that the festival is cancelled," reads the statement of organizers Balkan Entertainment.

Rumors to that effect started to circulate last week, when Balkan Entertainment changed the venue to another festival, Sofia Rocks, featuring Judas Priest and Whitesnake.

The initial venue for both Sonisphere and Sofia Rocks was set to be a National Hippodrome in Bankya.

Sofia Rocks, scheduled for July 8, has been now moved to the People's Army (CSKA) Stadium in Borisova Gradina, downtown Sofia.

Sonisphere Bulgaria 2011 was to include heavy metal legends Iron Maiden as headliners, as well as American nu metal band Slipknot with a full set, supported by Alice Cooper, US metallers Mastodon, and Finnish cello metallists Apocalyptica.

The first edition of Sonisphere Bulgaria in 2010 was extremely successful. Its first day featured the "Big Four" of thrash metal - Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax - and was later officially issued on DVD. The second day included US metal warriors Manowar and German industrial heroes Rammstein.

Sofia Rocks 2011, set for July 8, will feature Judas Priest (on their farewell tour) and Whitesnake as co-headliners, supported by Saxon, Slade and Mike & the Mechanics.

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