June 24, 2009 10:54

Linkin Park: 'We'll take Muse's title of best live band in the world at Sonisphere'

Chester Bennington tells NME.COM the band are gearing up to 'kick some ass'

Photo Gallery: Linkin Park

Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington has told NME.COM that he believes his band's headline slot at this year's Sonisphere festival provides them with the perfect opportunity to become the best live act in the world.

Bennington said the he thinks Muse are currently the band to beat in the live arena, but he's confident that Linkin Park will be able to equal the Devon trio's high standards when they headline the Sonisphere festival on August 1.

"They're one of the best - if not the best - live performing bands in the world at the moment," he said about Muse, adding "We need to fucking kick some ass."

The singer also singled out Metallica – who headline the second day of Sonisphere on August 2 – as friendly rivals, saying: "I think those kind of bands elevate you as a player. You either need to shoot up and show up or you need to put your tail between your legs and hope you get through it."

Taking place at Knebworth, Sonisphere features the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Bullet For My Valentine, Machine Head and Mastodon.

Referencing Knebworth's status for staging iconic concerts in the past by the likes of Oasis, Led Zeppelin and Queen, Bennington admitted that he feels the gig is a hugely important one for Linkin Park.

"There are definitely shows that either make or break you. And I do think [Sonisphere] could be one of those shows," he revealed.

"I know that it's [Knebworth] a legendary venue where legendary acts have played, from Zeppelin to Queen and many, many more. To perform there means you better show up with your kickass pants on."

The frontman also confirmed that Linkin Park will play new single 'The New Divide' at their Sonisphere gig. The band are currently in the studio with Rick Rubin, recording the follow up to 2007 album 'Minutes To Midnight'.