Well, after almost a year of buildup, random tweets from some of its participants hinting at a stateside run, and a teaser on Facebook yesterday, the announcement has been made. The Big 4 tour – Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax – will finally be making its way to U.S. shores…for one show only on Saturday, April 23rd in Indio California. The “Brochella” lineup floating around last week right around when the Coachella lineup was announced last week was good for a laugh. This isn’t, since if the itinerary doesn’t expand, it means that the closest many American fans will ever come to a shared experience of seeing the tour happened last June at movie theaters around the country.  The internet is gonna be pissed, and we can’t say we blame them.

It’s not like the show won’t do well. I’m sure it’ll sell out. It’ll be a great show too, for those that are in the California region. But this was definitely a bait and switch. One show only? That’s just weak, and if the bands and management don’t think there’s demand for them to play in anywhere other than California, they can just check the comments from the 35,000 people that “liked” the Facebook page in one day in exachange for being kept abreast of the announcement. Iron Maiden and Ozzfest didn’t do full-fledged tours last year, but were able to hit both coasts, the South and the Midwest in less than two weeks. A small tour with a limited amount of dates would not only make the bands a ton of money, but would also give fans, some of which have been waiting for 20 years, a chance to see an historic tour.

There’s one reason why the date and location kinda make sense, but it’s not that big of one. The Revolver Golden Gods Awards will have taken place two days prior in Los Angeles. But one semi-credible awards show only means that a handful of extra bands, managers and self-important metal industry people not already in Los Angeles will be there – it’s not like metal fans will travel just for that. One semi-consolation to all of this is that it definitely adds fuel to the rumors that Megadeth will be playing this Summer’s Mayhem Festival.

Is this just sour grapes on our end, since we’re on the East Coast and not going to make the trek? Perhaps, but we’re not alone. This is the equivalent of taking the caffeine out of Four Loko, but still selling it. Everyone wants to see this tour, but if it’s only available in one way that people don’t want, then they”ll find something else to spend our money on. If you’re one of those people that will make the trek, tickets on go on sale on Friday, the 28th.  If I was a betting man, I’d bet this won’t be a cheap ticket [update: $99 for the 'cheap seats,' $199 for VIP. Not all that terrible] . Check the trailer for the show after the jump.