Ozzy, Judas Priest, Slayer, Dimu Borgir, Superjoint Ritual, and Black Label Society were confirmed for the Ozzfest 2004 main stage at the press conference held this morning in Hollywood, California.
The tour kicks off July 10 in Hartford, CT.
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 20, 2004 The day OZZfest comes to town is the best day of summer for hardcore fans of hard rock and metal music. They know they’re getting value beyond what they paid for. So says OZZfest founder Sharon Osbourne. The music starts at 9:30 a.m. and doesn’t stop until Ozzy leaves the stage at 11:00 p.m. What they get is 20-plus bands, 13 and a half hours of non-stop music on two stages, and enough rock insanity to last them until the next year for about the same amount they’d pay to get into [Six Flags] Magic Mountain. And seeing Ozzy onstage is a better ride than any fucking rollercoaster.
Indeed, it’s the attention to its fans that makes OZZfest so popular it was recently voted the #2 Tour of 2003 by the readers of Rolling Stone. In fact, fans helped choose the second-stage acts for OZZfest 2004, with more than 65,000 responding in the first weekend to a poll at www.ozzfest.com. Ozzfest.com will be the site to purchase the best Ozzfest tickets first. OZZfest is truly unique in that the fans speak, and the festival listens.
Having come to define summer for many a metalhead, OZZfest is returning for an incredible ninth consecutive year, with 26 dates beginning July 10 in Hartford, Conn. The earsplitting extravaganza has earned a hallowed position in the busiest tour season with a relentless commitment to its core fans and the consistency of quality they demand as their birthright. Fanatical concertgoers revisit the scene each year as a new crop of hard-rock hellions is cultivated. They know they ll see established acts they’ve grown to worship and discover developing artists they ll bow down to for many full moons yet to come.
As in previous incarnations, OZZfest 2004 will present two stages, with The Iron Man Of Rock And Roll, Ozzy Osbourne, headlining the main stage. This year’s lineup also boasts the much-anticipated Judas Priest reunion, featuring Rob Halford; metal titans Slayer and Slipknot; Norwegian black-metal maniacs Dimmu Borgir; and fan favorites Superjoint Ritual (featuring Phil Anselmo of Pantera) and Black Label Society (fronted by Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde).
Among the newer bands who scored well on the www.ozzfest.com poll and earned a spot on the second stage were Hatebreed, Lamb Of God and Lacuna Coil. This year’s second-stage headliners, Slipknot, will also be joined by God Forbid, Bleeding Through, Atreyu, Every Time I Die and Unearth. Further lineup inclusions and plenty of em will be announced shortly.
We’ve been around for nearly a decade because we listen to the fans and stay true to the genre, says Jane Holman, longtime producer of OZZfest (she has been involved since 1997) and Vice President of Clear Channel Entertainment. We don’t make the mistake of trying to be all things to all people.
Longevity is measured in numbers as well as fan response to authenticity, and when it comes to OZZfest, success has bred success. According to Billboard: Since its inaugural run in 1996, OZZfest has grossed a staggering $146.5 million from 236 shows that have drawn 3.8 million headbangers, primarily to outdoor amphitheaters (Dec. 20, 2003).
To be sure, the annual blowout has traditionally showcased the most acclaimed hard rock acts in the land while at the same time exposing fans to up-and-coming talent. The second stage is well known for its ability to break bands and catapult careers. System Of A Down, Incubus, Slipknot, Chevelle and Disturbed are just some of the artists who’ve graduated from second-stage status to bona fide stardom. Others who broke out big after their stint on OZZfest include Godsmack, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park.
Of course, the impact of OZZfest extends beyond music. The traveling show has spawned a community of likeminded souls and become a cultural touchstone in the process. It takes a village to raise a headbanger, and the festival’s renowned Village Of The Damned replete with tattoo artists, piercing booths, state-of-the-art video games, all manner of vendors and much more will once again be in force.
It’s not surprising that OZZfest is able to draw top-notch sponsors. Miller is the official beer of OZZfest backstage; the company will be hosting a tent backstage for artists and a select group of sweepstakes winners. Jagermeister, also a player in 2004, has been very supportive over the years. Hot Topic will host the second stage again and will be the tour’s official soft-lines retail partner. FYE, For Your Entertainment, joins OZZfest for a 4th year as official music retailer and will host the Artist Autograph Tent. Trojan Brand Condoms are another key sponsor.
New this year on Ozzfest.com is Ozzfest Radio, powered by KNAC.com, The Loudest Dot Com On The Planet. Ozzfest Radio will feature round the clock streaming of past and present Ozzfest performers.
This is truly a bonus for those unable to attend OZZfest 2004, but the fact remains: You can’t download the festival experience, and OZZfest is screaming, sweat-streaming, air-punching proof positive of that.
20 Trucks …
40 Buses …
525 Crew Members …
20 Bands …
13 Hours Of Music …
The demon is back!
Ozzfest 2004 tour dates:
Jul. 10 – Hartford, CT @ ctnow.com Meadows Music
Jul. 12 – Mansfield, MA @ Tweeter Center
Jul. 14 – Wantagh, NY @ Tommy Hilfiger at Jones Beach Th.
Jul. 16 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
Jul. 18 – Bristow, VA @ Nissan Pavilion
Jul. 20 – Columbus, OH @ Germain Amphitheatre
Jul. 22 – Nashville, TN @ Starwood Amphitheatre
Jul. 24 – Englewood, CO @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Jul. 27 – Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre
Jul. 29 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
Jul. 31 – Devore, CA @ Hyundai Pavilion of Glen Helen
Aug. 03 – Albuquerque, NM @ Journal Pavilion
Aug. 05 – Dallas, TX @ Smirnoff Music Center
Aug. 07 – San Antonio, TX @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Aug. 10 – Kansas City, KS @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Aug. 12 – Maryland Heights, MO @ UMB Pavilion
Aug. 14 – East Troy, WI @ Alpine Valley Music Theatre
Aug. 17 – Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Center
Aug. 19 – Cleveland, OH @ Blossom Music Center
Aug. 21 – Tinley Park, IL @ Tweeter Center
Aug. 24 – Indianapolis, IN @ Verizon Wireless Music Center
Aug. 26 – Camden, NJ @ Tweeter Center at the Waterfront
Aug. 28 – Burgettstown, PA @ Post-Gazette Pavilion @ Star Lake
Aug. 31 – Raleigh, NC @ Alltel Pavilion @ Walnut Creek
Sep. 02 – Tampa, FL @ Tampa Bay Amphitheatre
Sep. 04 – West Palm Beach, FL @ Sound Advice Amphitheatre
keep your fingers crossed: Accoding to the press release, Further lineup inclusions and plenty of em will be announced shortly.
Singer Rob Halford of the recently reunited JUDAS PRIEST, who are co-headlining Ozzfest 2004, told Launch Radio Networks that the idea of a BLACK SABBATH reunion at this year’s traveling festival makes sense to him. It’s brand new news to me, but I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if it happened, he said in an interview conducted Tuesday (March 30). It just seems like, why wouldn’t, why shouldn’t it happen? But then, my God, can you imagine JUDAS PRIEST and BLACK SABBATH? It’s just too mad to think about.
BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi confirmed to Launch Monday (March 29) that a SABBATH set at this year’s Ozzfest was not out of the question. I’ve heard that rumor as well, and there are negotiations at the moment, Iommi said. As yet, we’ve not reached a settlement, but there is talk about it.
As previously reported, Ozzy Osbourne is believed to have parted ways with bassist Rob Blasko Nicholson and has joined forces again with BLACK SABBATH bassist Geezer Butler. The reported switch, which has not been officially confirmed, adds even more fuel to the recent rumors that BLACK SABBATH may appear on this summer’s Ozzfest.
It’s not clear whether SABBATH would actually replace Ozzy as the headliner, or if the show would be split between an Ozzy solo set and a SABBATH set.
Ozzy Osbourne has confirmed in a radio interview that talks are underway for BLACK SABBATH to perform at this year’s Ozzfest. Asked during an appearance on the nationally syndicated radio show Rockline Wednesday night (March 31) if there is any truth to the reports that SABBATH are in negotiations to reunite for a headlining performance at the next installment of the traveling music festival, Osbourne replied, I believe so. Ozzy did not confirm or deny the rumor that Geezer Butler was once again a member of his solo band (as reported exclusively by BLABBERMOUTH.NET on March 30), explaining that he didn’t want to say anything because he wanted to avoid getting yelled at by his wife/manager Sharon.
It is not presently clear whether SABBATH would actually replace Ozzy as the headliner of this year’s Ozzfest, or if the show would be split between an Ozzy solo set and a SABBATH set.
BLACK SABBATH CONFIRMED FOR OZZFEST
BLACK SABBATH will reunite for the first time since 2001 for Ozzfest 2004, which begins July 10 in Hartford, Conn., a spokeswoman for the annual road show told Reuters on Tuesday (May 18 ).
Ozzfest co-founder and headliner Ozzy Osbourne will be joined by guitarist Tony Iommi and bass player Geezer Butler. But original drummer Bill Ward will be replaced by Mike Bordin, who backs Osbourne in his solo band.
Back in late March, BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi told Launch Radio Networks that a SABBATH reunion at this year’s Ozzfest was not out of the question. I’ve heard that rumor as well, and there is negotiations at the moment, Iommi said. As yet, we’ve not reached a settlement, but there is talk about it. I think it’s great, and I would’ve liked to have done it last year and the year before, you know, but we didn’t.
BLACK SABBATH, with Ward on board, last played live during the 2001 version of Ozzfest.
In a recent issue of the U.K.’s Rhythm magazine, Bordin spoke about filling in for his hero Bill Ward for a number of BLACK SABBATH dates several years ago.
I’ve been really, really into music since I was about eight years old, but when I first heard a BLACK SABBATH record, that was it — there was nothing else, Bordin said.
The very next week, on April 6, 1974, I saw them on TV on the California Jam. It was the most compelling, the most exciting, the most physical thing that I had ever seen — it was a revelation. I remember Bill as this big, crazy, giant hairy dude with red tights and no shirt. By the middle of the first song, you couldn’t see him — it was just hair and flailing arms.
When you look at Bill’s style of playing, you have to look at it in the context of the giants around him. Geezer, Tony and Ozzy are like forces of nature, and to balance in between them and not be squished, you have to be a giant as well.
Bill’s playing is phenomenally individual and completely unique — nobody can play those songs like him. I was raised on BLACK SABBATH music and it was hugely important to me even before I started playing drums.
Bill Ward is a prince of a human being and I feel honored to have had a chance to play in BLACK SABBATH with Ozzy, Tony and Geezer. It was my tribute to the man that wasn’t onstage, but should have been…
soure: blabbermouth.net
This would be the best Ozzfest ever if Damageplan was there. 😕 – said Child of the Light on Feb 02, 2004
this is one of the best line up. is anyone going? maybe next year 4 me. – said PAUZED on Mar 03, 2004
DevilDriver have been officially confirmed by Roadrunner Records to be taking part in this years Ozzfest trek with a slot on the Second Stage of the tour. thanx theprp.com – said PAUZED on Mar 03, 2004
I hope to make the show in San Antonio, since we here in Houston don’t rate a show. I have never made one of the Ozzfest shows. Oh well, them’s the breaks. I want to see Black Label Society real bad. Last time I got to see Zakk and the boys was way back during the Stronger Than Death tour. I wonder if Blasko is still going to be the bassist for Ozzy? All in all, it looks like a great lineup. – said Thomas Vrazel on Mar 03, 2004
i bet Black Label Society would be kik azz live. zakk is the man! 😈 – said PAUZED on Mar 03, 2004
BLACK SABBATH are rumored to be reuniting for this year’s Ozzfest, and according to guitarist Tony Iommi, a SABBATH set at this year’s festival is not out of the question. I’ve heard that rumor as well, and there is negotiations at the moment, Iommi told Launch Radio Networks. As yet, we’ve not reached a settlement, but there is talk about it. I think it’s great, and I would’ve liked to have done it last year and the year before, you know, but we didn’t. It is not presently clear whether BLACK SABBATH would be a new addition to the tour, or whether they’d take the place of OZZY OSBOURNE’s solo set. A BLACK SABBATH box set, called Black Box: The Complete Original Black Sabbath (1970-1978) comes out April 27. It comes with remastered versions of the first eight SABBATH albums, as well as a DVD with some live performances. – said PAUZED on Mar 03, 2004
OZZY OSBOURNE has parted ways with bassist Rob Blasko Nicholson and has re-joined forces with his BLACK SABBATH bandmate Geezer Butler, reliable sources have told BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Butler’s return to OSBOURNE’s band has further opened the door for a possible BLACK SABBATH reunion at this year’s Ozzfest. OZZY is currently scheduled to headline the annual festival, with JUDAS PRIEST being billed as a co-headliner. Speaking to Launch Radio Networks, BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi confirmed that a SABBATH set at this year’s Ozzfest was not out of the question. I’ve heard that rumor as well, and there is negotiations at the moment, Iommi said. As yet, we’ve not reached a settlement, but there is talk about it. I think it’s great, and I would’ve liked to have done it last year and the year before, you know, but we didn’t. Nicholson joined OZZY OSBOURNE’s band in December as a replacement for Jason Newsted (VOIVOD, ex-METALLICA), who left the group after less than year due to undisclosed reasons. At the time, Nicholson told MTV.com about his new gig, It’s something I never would have imagined. After playing with Rob Zombie, I was ready to go, OK, this is as far as I’m taking this bass-playing thing. This is the end of the road. I was ready to kind of hang it up. But when this came around, it was very odd, he added. I was almost like, There is no possible way that this could happen. The first audition was a little intimidating, to say the least, Nicholson said. Granted, I know Zakk and I’ve been on Ozzfest before. The situation wasn’t uncomfortable, it was just intimidating, playing these songs that I had never played. But the second audition, I was a lot more prepared. Into the Void is my favorite BLACK SABBATH song and Ozzy called it out, he continued. At that moment, I realized, even if I don’t get the gig, the fact that I got to play Into the Void with Ozzy was the coolest moment of my life! – said PAUZED on Mar 03, 2004
my $ is on it. – said PAUZED on Mar 03, 2004
That really sucks that they ditched Blasko. But, with that move, the writting is on the wall. AND with that box set coming out here soon… ..???? Sounds pretty likely Black Sabbath will be headlining Ozzfest… – said Thomas Vrazel on Mar 03, 2004
Las Vegas Power-Pop Band MAGNA-FI Added To OZZFEST Las Vegas-based power-pop band MAGNA-FI, whose sound is being described as a blend of CHEAP TRICK, FOO FIGHTERS, NIRVANA and SUPERDRAG, have landed a second-stage slot at this year’s Ozzfest, according to the festival’s official web site. http://www.ozzfest.com/main.html MAGNA-FI originally signed with Gold Circle Records in 2001, but the label went under before the group’s debut album, Burn Out the Stars , reached music stores. (The album has since been bought by Phoenix-based indie Aezra Records and will be repackaged and released in May.) Audio samples of the group’s music can be checked out online at this location. http://www.magna-fi.com/audio.html The complete lineup for Ozzfest 2004’s second stage is now as follows: SLIPKNOT HATEBREED LAMB OF GOD ATREYU BLEEDING THROUGH LACUNA COIL EVERY TIME I DIE UNEARTH GOD FORBID OTEP DEVILDRIVER MAGNA-FI – said PAUZED on Apr 04, 2004
Orange County, California-based straight-edge hardcore band THROWDOWN have secured a second-stage slot at this year’s Ozzfest, kicking off July 10 in Hartford, Connecticut. The band’s official statement on the matter is as follows: We are super stoked to say that we have officially been added to this years OZZFEST! We just got word today [Thursday, April 22], about a few hours ago. This is going to be huge, and it will definitely be a good time. We will be sharing the second stage with our friends EVERY TIME I DIE, and label mates BLEEDING THROUGH. The BREED and The KNOT are headliners of the second stage, so it is going to be brutal. The complete lineup for Ozzfest 2004’s second stage is now as follows: SLIPKNOT HATEBREED LAMB OF GOD ATREYU BLEEDING THROUGH LACUNA COIL EVERY TIME I DIE UNEARTH GOD FORBID OTEP DEVILDRIVER MAGNA-FI THROWDOWN – said PAUZED on Apr 04, 2004
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