Ozzfest 2005-Ozzfest Ends, More Details On DVD Released

[Bridge]

Yes they have, not in interview, but on stage.? they were documented at least once, Dickinson said to the crowd one night, "we would never do a fucking reality show to please America" or something like that.

I agree that Sharon shouldve better handled the situation but I can understand her being pissed.? I highly doubt she'd go that far if they hadnt done anything at all.

[Bridge]

Got this from the Ozzfest website.  Seems Bruce was indeed picketing Ozzy and the American audience.  His comments are contained here.

SHARON OSBOURNE Issues Statement: BRUCE DICKINSON Tried To Ruin OZZFEST For Everyone - Aug. 22, 2005

Sharon Osbourne has issued the following statement via the official Ozzfest web site, Ozzfest.com:

"IRON MAIDEN were chosen for the Ozzfest tour because the Ozzfest committee felt they were a good band, plus the fact that they had not done shows in the U.S. for some time. From day one, Bruce Dickinson started berating Ozzy and belittling the Ozzfest audience. He stated he 'didn?t need a reality show to give him credibility'; 'We're not just some fucking reunion band'; and continuously complained about the sound system, saying that when he comes back to America he'll have a better one. I understand he hasn't toured in the U.S.in these size venues in a while and no longer understands the political structure of things. Out of 200-plus bands over the last 10 years, he has been the only person who hasn't had the Ozzfest spirit. He thought he was at a battle of the bands, always making other comments about the other artists.

"Might I say, the rest of the band are gentlemen and have a great professional attitude. The crew are absolutely great. But how sad it was, after 10 years, that this little man tried to ruin it for everyone. The bands of Ozzfest don't even look at Ozzfest as touring, but as its heavy metal summer camp. Bruce is in fact a jealous prick and very envious. None of his tirades were directed at SABBATH, only Ozzy. Steve Harris [IRON MAIDEN's bassist] personally came to Ozzy in San Bernardino and apologized for Bruce's behavior this summer, stating that he and the rest of the band were 'embarrassed' by their own singer. It also offended me every night how he took out the English flag in America. There are American boys going to war alongside the English boys every day. How dare he forget the American troops on their home turf? He has had no respect for the American audience he has been playing for, stating in an interview, 'When you do the 'hits' tour here [in the U.S.], the audience is smug, and there's a sense of self-satisfaction, like, 'We got what we wanted?I'm looking at an audience that is self-satisfied and happy and fat, and getting what it wants and isn't prepared to get off its ass..'

"Before there was SAMSON, there was SABBATH!

"Ozzfest 2005 continues on with our summer of fun with the addition of VELVET REVOLVER. This is where the fun begins?.."


I knew sharon wouldn't have pulled something like this without provocation.  i'll again say I dont think it shouldve been handled this way because it cheated the fans, but in 10 years of Ozzfest, this has never happened, so I knew somebody from the Maiden camp had to have done something.  I know maiden fans wont want to believe Maiden actually had a part in it, but its the truth.  things like this don't just happen for no reason.

[Malcolm]

Paul Saitowitz of The Press-Enterprise has issued the following report:

Between the brutal metal assault from 21 bands and the 30,000-strong revelers who would have been just as at home at a professional wrestling match, controversy was the day's most interesting story at the Ozzfest.

IRON MAIDEN's set was the penultimate of the 14-hour festival held at Hyundai Pavilion at Glen Helen in Devore Saturday night. It was, however, plagued by a series of follies that led to an interesting conclusion.

The group came out blazing with Bruce Dickinson's operatic vocals and Steve Harris' scorching bass lines. But after the first song Dickinson lamented that someone was throwing eggs at the band. He was so incensed that he declared, "If I wouldn't get sued, I'd rip your (expletive) head off."

He eventually cooled down. As the band was hitting its stride on the metal classic "Run to the Hills", the public address system was cut off, making the song inaudible. The power came back after about 30 seconds, but went out again at the end of a blistering version of "Hallowed Be Thy Name".

Through it all, the band kept playing, proving that after more than two decades it still brings the metal better than anyone on the planet. There was a rollicking take on "Number of the Beast" that featured a large "666" lighting up in the background as the crowd chanted along. There was also a powerful rendition of "Iron Maiden", which featured a giant Eddie ? the group's skeletal mascot ? walking across the stage and toying with the band members.

Then strangely, as the band was taking its final bows, a voice came over the P.A. chanting "Ozzy" over and over again.

It got weirder.

As IRON MAIDEN exited the stage it was followed by Ozzy Osbourne's wife (and the tour's founder), Sharon Osbourne. She said into the microphone that "IRON MAIDEN is a fantastic band, but singer Bruce Dickinson is an (expletive)." Then she left the stage.
With bated breath, the crowd waited for retaliation. But by that point, BLACK SABBATH, led by Ozzy, was rocking the stage and the issue was dead.

[Malcolm]

IRON MAIDEN have posted the following message on their official web site:

"IRON MAIDEN wish to thank all the 45,000 metal fans at Ozzfest in San Bernardino on Saturday night for sticking with us and giving us such a great response at the end of a difficult set. It was obvious to all there that we had a 'series of unfortunate events' throughout! These made it difficult for us to keep our momentum but your incredible support certainly helped us get through it. We guess it all adds up to a pretty memorable gig though!!!

"This is, however, a metal festival. It is supposed to be fun for all. You fans pay very good money to be there and deserve to get a full and unhindered performance from all the bands. This was not the case last night.

"So with this rather bizarre end to a good tour we are returning to the U.K. today for the Leeds and Reading festivals and once again thanks to all of you who came out to see us these last few weeks."

[jarmo]

It also offended me every night how he took out the English flag in America. There are American boys going to war alongside the English boys every day. How dare he forget the American troops on their home turf?

I'm not an expert, but doesn't he do that in every country?

He has had no respect for the American audience he has been playing for, stating in an interview, 'When you do the 'hits' tour here [in the U.S.], the audience is smug, and there's a sense of self-satisfaction, like, 'We got what we wanted?I'm looking at an audience that is self-satisfied and happy and fat, and getting what it wants and isn't prepared to get off its ass..'

I think Bruce was comparing American audiences to the audiences in Europe.

The audiences at Ozzfest are probably not Maiden fans. To compare that to the audiences in Europe where they headline their own shows is a bit weird.


/jarmo

[Rob]

Yes, Jarmo, that British flag deal has been a staple of their show for more than 20 years.  He always does that when they play The Trooper.  It has nothing to do with him disrespecting American troops.  That's the biggest load of bullshit I've ever heard.  I think last year when they showed clips comparing President Bush to Hitler during Sabbath's set was much more disrespectful to American troops than anything maiden has ever done.  I also have no problem with Bruce's comments on some American concert audiences.  Compared to countries like Brazil and Germany, American audiences are often quite tame.  He damn sure didn't complain to us during the show I attended in Holmdel, NJ...the first show Sabbath sat out on this Ozzfest.  Us Jersey metalheads damn sure aren't tame.  That's why Ozzfest was at the PNC Bank Art Center 2 consecutive days.  We know our metal here.  And as for Sharon's claim that Bruce is jealous of Ozzy or Sabbath...that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.  Bruce is an intelligent person, an amazing performer, and he's got lots of things going for him right now.  Ozzy's an old, senile, has-been who can't ever sing his own damn songs anymore.  Not to mention Bruce's band has been blowing Ozzy's band off the stage every single night (that is when Sabbath even bothered to perform).  It seems to me that Ozzy didn't like to being upstaged every night.  He didn't like all the great reviews and credit Maiden were getting, he got jealous, and had his wife try to start up some BS about how Bruce was disrespecting Ozzfest...whatever that is supposed to mean.  I guess Ozzy's learned a lesson on this tour...if you want your old tired ass to still look good, don't book a band that still brings it every night to open for you.  Maybe he can get Nickelback to open for him the next time he comes around.

[Mr. Dick Purple]

Totally agree with Rob, Bruce has always bring up the English Flag when the Trooper gets on stage, as for Bruce Comentary I think he was misunderstood but I always believe Bruce is a like too proud to admit that he was over reacting.

[Dr. Blutarsky]

I think Sharon over reacted to the whole british flag thing. Its not like they only have done it for this tour, haven`t they done that for 20 plus years? Nothing to do with Iraq.

On the other hand, if Bruce was taking shots at Ozzy throughout the tour, that is stupid & disrespectful since Ozzy gave them the opportunity to play Ozzfest.

[Mr. Dick Purple]

Yeah I know but I think that If Bruce instead of reacting to the stupid Sharon Osbourne he would've think better the kind of answer he has to give, he would be now more hero than he is now. 

[Malcolm]

 The manager of a well-known heavy metal band (*NOT* IRON MAIDEN) who attended this past weekend's Ozzfest show at the Hyundai Pavillion in Devore, California has submitted the following first-hand account of the evening that will surely go down as one of the most shameful moments in recent rock history (NOTE: at his request, the author's identity is being protected by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):

"Saturday night's Ozzfest at the Hyundai Pavillion near Los Angeles was a debacle on so many levels, I am still in shock as I write this. As a fan of many of the bands [Saturday] night, one can only hope this was an isolated incident, but sadly, it most likely wasn't. As many of you have heard already, co-headliners and metal legends IRON MAIDEN were pelted with eggs, bottle caps, beer cups, spit on, had people from the Ozzfest camp talking over the PA during their set, had 'Eddie' delayed from his onstage entrance, had members of the [BLACK LABEL SOCIETY] entourage rush the stage with American flags, and had the PA intentionally turned off over six times, all by the OSBOURNE CAMP.

"While it's still unclear as to the exact reasons why the terrorizing started (rumors abounded as to why, with everything from Bruce calling out Ozzy in the U.K. rock magazine Kerrang! on the widely known fact that Ozzy uses a teleprompter, to various vague references said on stage about a 'reality show' at an Ozzfest stop in Detroit), one thing was very clear: The whole thing stunk, and left me, and nearly all of the 40,000+ heavy metal fans in attendance angered and disappointed. Not that behind the scenes bickering or magazine trash-talking is anything new to rock fans, but the shocking lack of professionalism at one of the largest stops in North America in front of 40,000+ spectators, at the hand of the Osbournes was nothing short of disgusting.

"It all began early in the afternoon, when many side stage bands were openly approached in clear view of everyone backstage by Sharon and Kelly Osbourne to 'join them in throwing eggs at IRON MAIDEN this evening.' All the bands were encouraged to rally the other side-stage bands to do so. Members and/or friends of the hardcore band BURY YOUR DEAD were seen actively trying to encourage other side-stage bands to 'join in the fun.' Thankfully, many side stage bands angrily declined.

"Later that evening, as IRON MAIDEN came on stage, their intro was interrupted by [BLACK LABEL SOCIETY] hanger-on and biker wannabe Big Dave, who was at the soundboard loudly chanting 'Ozzy, Ozzy' over the PA. MAIDEN opened their set and the entire band was pelted from the front row with eggs, beer, beer cups, spit, and various other objects by an Ozzfest-credentialed, bandana-wearing, Osbourne entourage. IRON MAIDEN, ever the professionals, continued through their set, and by the time they launched into their second song, 'The Trooper', Bruce changed into a civil war-era, red coat and began waving a Union Jack ? British flag. Then, someone in, or associated with, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY tried to rush the stage waving and American Flag with the words 'Don't fuck with Ozzy' scrawled across his bare chest. He was tackled and beaten by MAIDEN crew and promptly thrown off stage.

"As 'The Trooper' ended, frontman Bruce Dickinson, with characteristic spunk, launched into a scathing attack on the people terrorizing his band, calling them 'a sorry excuse for an Ozzy Osbourne fan,' and wondering aloud how, 'three dozen eggs could get snuck into the front row of Ozzfest by people with Ozzfest laminates?' Though he never named names, all in attendance could understand who he was referring to. Nicko McBrain ran up to the front asking Bruce to hold on while he cleaned egg off his drums. He then stated the the next song wouldn't be heard on 'Your local cocksucking corporate radio station, wouldn't be seen on MTV anymore, and sure as hell wouldn't be played on a fucking reality TV show,' met by a huge roar from the crowd.

"During the song 'Hallowed Be Thy Name', Bruce, after only the first two lines, stopped singing and ran to the front row, firing back at his terrorizers, saying 'That asswipe right there, with the curly hair, the fucking glasses, and Ozzfest laminate throw his fucking ass out of here right now. It's gonna take more than eggs to stop IRON MAIDEN, and if it wasn't for a lawsuit, I'd rip your fucking head off right now, you piece of shit!!!!' He had the various attackers ejected and continued with a blistering version of the song until right before the big sing long at the end, the PA was INTENTIONALLY cut off. When it came back, Bruce launched into another scathing attack saying that they were supposed to play a shorter set than normal today, and only play 55 minutes, but IRON MAIDEN can't drive 55, or play 55, and were going to play our whole fucking set tonight.

"The band endured six more 'PA cuts,' including having the power to their amps turned off at one point. When the PA would come back on, they would simply launch into the next IRON MAIDEN classic, never missing a beat. Frankly, with every PA cut, the band just got meaner and meaner, playing each new song with an anger and a fire that was at times, simply astonishing to watch. Bruce began the introduction to IRON MAIDEN with a speech about 'Your constitution has something about 'We The People.' Well let me tell you, the only reason we are up here tolerating this bullshit, is because of you people. You have been amazing Glen Helen, and there are A LOT of IRON MAIDEN fans here tonight,' eliciting a huge roar from the crowd. He continued, 'It's gonna take more than eggs to stop IRON MAIDEN, NOTHING is going to come between us and our fans, and it will be death before dishonor, this is 'Iron fucking Maiden',' which was greeted by a thunderous applause. During 'Iron Maiden', longtime MAIDEN mascot Eddie was purposely delayed from making his entrance, making a brief appearance at the end, and one could only wonder as to how. As the band closed there set with a furious version of 'Sanctuary', the PA was again cut only to have Big Dave repeatedly chant 'Ozzy' over the PA, while the band tried to say goodbye to their fans. The now-furious crowd angrily drowned him out with chants of 'MAIDEN, MAIDEN.'

"Then, not 10 seconds after MAIDEN left the stage, Sharon Osbourne walked on stage and predictably, tried to give MAIDEN some fake, half-hearted praise about how they'd like to 'thank IRON MAIDEN,' and what a wonderful band IRON MAIDEN are, and how their crew were 'fantastic,' then sneering, 'But Bruce Dickinson is a prick.' The entire crowd, now fed up with the entire affair, began loudly booing her, pelting her with beer cups, and yelling 'bitch.' She tried to carry on, adding that 'Bruce had disrespected Ozzfest,' only to be drowned out by an ocean of boos, and soaked with beer. She slammed the microphone down and stormed off stage. Many in the crowd, fed up with what they had just witnessed, especially considering that many had come solely for MAIDEN, and paid upwards of $150 to do so, left in droves. SABBATH played to maybe half the audience that was there prior, and seemed stagnate compared to the band preceding them. As a huge fan of SABBATH, I honestly couldn't stand to watch them.

"I've seen IRON MAIDEN probably 10 times in my life, and frankly this was the very best IRON MAIDEN show I've had the pleasure of witnessing. You DON'T want to fuck with IRON MAIDEN. The more the Osbournes tried to fuck with them, the better they got! IRON MAIDEN was on fucking overdrive! Considering the amount of terrorizing and intimidation that IRON MAIDEN had to deal with at the hands of the Osbournes and the other side stage and main stage bands participating, they were the consummate professionals. They had the crowd in the palms of their hands, and IRON MAIDEN and Bruce Dickinson proved beyond a shadow of a doubt why they are the greatest metal band on earth right now, and quite possibly, the classiest, too.

"The Osbournes are drunk with power. Shame on them, and shame on ANY of the bands that participated in the terrorizing and intimidation. It was disgusting display, that NO BAND should have had to endure, but especially a legend like IRON MAIDEN. That fact that it happened in front of 40,000+ people, at a Clear Channel-sponsored event, while Hyundai Pavilion Security turned a blind eye and let the Osbourne camp pelt one of the main headlining bands with eggs, beer, and spit, was simply inexcusable.

"I will proudly be attending next year's MAIDEN fest, and as much as I hate to say it, I can't bring myself to spend another dime on the Osbournes.

"Ozzfest, hang your head in shame."

[Malcolm]

[Rob]

On the other hand, if Bruce was taking shots at Ozzy throughout the tour, that is stupid & disrespectful since Ozzy gave them the opportunity to play Ozzfest.

Maiden doesn't need any opportuniy to do shit.  The could've headlined the same venues themselves without senile Ozzy and cunt Sharon's help...in fact they did two summers ago.  The more I hear about this travesty the more I respect Maiden, and the more I absolutely despise everyone in the Osbourne camp.  It doesn't surprised me at all that that fat, ugly, slutty, stupid waste of life Kelly was involved.  Just when I think Ive said enough on this subject, I get more and more reasons to keep going.  That picture of Steve Harris is great.  He's got egg on him and he's rocking out harder than ever before.  You could see the determination on his face.  Compare that to the blank, stupid, far away look on Ozzy's.

[mrlee]

Being spat on. Thats defo out of line, if the other things arnt bad enough spitting is just disguisting.
Im glad sharon was called a bitch and im glad Iron Maiden played a full set.

[Malcolm]

 According to Launch Radio Networks, the Osbourne organization is denying that daughter Kelly Osbourne had anything to do with IRON MAIDEN getting egged on Saturday, August 20. Various Internet reports have put Kelly in the mosh pit at the Ozzfest show in Devore, California, and that she and several other people with Ozzfest credentials threw eggs and other stuff at MAIDEN during the band's set. However, the word from the Osbournes is that Kelly was "absolutely not" part of the situation, at what was MAIDEN's final Ozzfest performance.

[Malcolm]

IRON MAIDEN's European record company, EMI, has hit back at Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne after MAIDEN's headlining set at Devore, CA's Hyundia Pavillion was allegedly sabotaged by Ozzfest crew. In a statement, the band's label said: "As many of you now know, Sharon Osbourne and assorted hangers-on dramatically and deliberately sabotaged IRON MAIDEN's final performance on the Ozzfest on Saturday 20 August in Los Angeles. As a result of further developments IRON MAIDEN will respond to Sharon and co's inflammatory and upsetting behaviour later today [August 23]."

[Malcolm]

IRON MAIDEN's manager, Rod Smallwood of Sanctuary Artist Management, has issued the following statement regarding the band's final Ozzfest performance this past weekend in Devore, CA:

"MAIDEN are currently returning from America and preparing for U.K. festivals this weekend and don't wish to waste time giving Sharon Osbourne's statement the dignity of a reply. Considering the disgraceful nature of the events that occurred they feel it's a pretty dismal effort at self justification and they don't think metal fans are at all gullible and that they will easily see through it. They want no more to do with this sorry incident and are very much looking forward to headlining Reading and Leeds festivals this weekend.

"I would however like to add my own comment on this.

"In 30 years in this business and after attending hundreds of gigs, l have never seen anything anywhere near as disgusting and unprofessional as what went on that night. I was standing on our sound desk out front as usual but ran to the stage as soon as the hail of missiles began and from then on watched from the front of the stage right next to Bruce's walkway. The scale, viciousness and concentration of the throwing made it obvious that this was a premeditated and co-ordinated attack. Assaulting musicians while performing by throwing bottle tops, lighters and eggs at them from just a few yards away is vile, dangerous, criminal and cowardly. It is incredible that Ozzfest security apparently did nothing about it ? aren't they there to protect the bands too? Especially when the band is concentrating on a performance in front of 45,000 people and the missiles are coming out of the glare of the spotlights. And to spit at a band on stage is unforgivable.

"IRON MAIDEN, like all the bands on Ozzfest, had to sign quite onerous legal documents part of which was promising not to throw anything into the audience, even wristbands!!! Ironic isn't it.

"It is well documented on the web who was responsible for planning and participating in this attack and for musicians to join in this assault on other musicians is a shocking disgrace akin to treachery. You should all be thoroughly ashamed of yourselves.

"We know who authorised the making of the 'Ozzy - Ozzy' chant tape the day before and how it was played secretly through the PA at the very beginning and end of our set.

"We also know who continually turned off the power interrupting our set at crucial moments. It is a good thing that the power was turned back on before there was a riot as you could sense on stage a lot of the huge audience were getting totally pissed off at this continual onslaught on the band.

"The great majority of the Ozzfest crew throughout the tour were terrific and we thank them. Those who participated or stood idly by and watched as this all went down should also be ashamed of themselves and l would certainly hope they never come near a tour with which we are involved.

"There is little point in my commenting on the chap with the flag or their trying to hold up Eddie or Sharon's speech as the audience made their feelings very clear on each occasion.

"And in the end what was all this about?? If l had any sort of problem or misunderstanding with a band working on a tour we were involved in l would go and talk to them or their manager - not wait until the end of a tour and assault and ambush them. Or was that really it?

"I find it staggering that this ambush would take place in front of any audience, let alone in San Bernardino, the biggest audience of the tour. Didn't that audience merit any consideration? They pay an awful lot to be there in terms of prices for tickets, parking, food, beer etc. Surely if they spend this sort of money they deserve to watch the bands they paid to see be able to put in a full unhindered performance. Free of danger and intimidation. If I had paid I would ask for my money back!

"And this audience really were outstanding, giving the band incredible support and many voting with their feet in disgust after the set and the speech, which to many was the final insult.

"I have to say l was immensely proud of MAIDEN who stood up to it all and showed great courage and just got better and better through the adversity. Their heads never dropped, instead they went on the offensive. It was a truly memorable moment when Bruce went to the very front of the stage during 'Trooper' ? something which he never normally does as he is usually on the ramps ? waving the flag whilst avoiding the hail of missiles and yelling 'This is a fucking British flag, and these colours don't fucking run!' The imperturbable attitude and ability of the band shone through and in the end made this a truly remarkable rock and roll event, even if for all the wrong reasons.

"We will have no more to say on this matter except that l do think the band deserve an apology from a number of people, and you know who you are."

[AxemanOnFire]

The Band's actions in the wake of this disgrace makes me proud to be a Maidenite. I think it's clear to all who read Maiden's statement that they are the better men. The fans also appear to have been fantastic throughout. Drowning out the PA chant with "MAIDEN! MAIDEN!" Up the fucking Irons guys!

[Mr. Dick Purple]

The IM bb is now saturated iwth a lot of visitors trying to download the whole bootleg, me included  , dreadfully i think I got banned 

[Malcolm]

Sharon Osbourne has issued the following "open letter" to IRON MAIDEN manager Rod Smallwood:

"Rod,

"I found your statement to be completely void of the facts that led up to Saturday's show. Your press release was written like an old-time '80s manager, trying to use every opportunity to try and sell the record and the upcoming shows instead of just dealing with the truth.

"These are the facts:

"You claim to have been in the business for 30 years and have been to hundreds of gigs, but can you tell me how many times you have heard of an opening band talking sh*t about the headliner during their set and getting away with it? Not only is Ozzy the headliner, but he is also the man who is paying your band $185,000 a night. We gave IRON MAIDEN a chance to play to the biggest audiences they have ever played to in the U.S.A. We accommodated them with their stage set and at the band's request we even scoured the audience for people wearing IRON MAIDEN t-shirts and brought them down front during their set to make them feel more comfortable. Tell me, what other headliner would do that? Unfortunately those gestures were completely lost on Bruce Dickinson who for over 20 shows continually berated Ozzy and Ozzfest during his set.

"Over the last 10 years of Ozzfest, we have worked with over 200 bands. None of them were ever disrespectful to Ozzy or any of the other bands on the tour. But for 20 shows we were forced to hear Dickinson's nightly outbursts from the stage: 'When we come back to America, we'll be back with a proper sound system,' or "We won't be playing the same old songs every night (like SABBATH),' 'We don't need a teleprompter (like Ozzy)' and 'We don't need a reality show to be legit (again, like Ozzy).' Night after night we heard his complaints from the stage about how 'corporate' the venues were and how 'outrageous' the ticket prices were. Strangely enough, if you want to get a general admission ticket to stand in a field to see IRON MAIDEN at Reading this weekend it's going to cost you over $120. I would say that's very pricey, wouldn't you?

"When an artist comes on stage and says he's not playing the 55 minutes that he was allotted and that he is going to play for as long as he wants (cutting into SABBATH's set), I'm not going to let that happen. Dickinson was under the delusion that the 46,000 people in San Bernardino had come only to see IRON MAIDEN. He even proclaimed 'This is not the Ozzfest, This is Maidenfest.' I guess no one told him that we have an audience of 45,000 to 53,000 people every year in San Bernardino.

"Here's another fact for you. Bruce Dickinson's own band was embarrassed by him. IRON MAIDEN leader, Steve Harris, even came to Ozzy's dressing room to apologize to Ozzy for Bruce's behavior before MAIDEN took the stage in San Bernardino.

"It's shameful that Dickinson felt he had the right to air his issues publicly onstage every night as a way to boost his own ego. Dickinson never once came up to Ozzy and me to voice any concerns. He certainly had the opportunity to do so every night. If he wasn't able to show us that courtesy then why should I give him the respect to air my grievances with him in private? Ozzy's only interaction with Dickinson was on the first night of the tour. Ozzy, being the true gentleman that he is, passed Bruce in the hall and said 'Good luck and have a great show.' Unfortunately Dickinson felt the need to turn his back to Ozzy and walked away. Frankly, Dickinson got what he deserved. We had to listen to his bullsh*t for five straight weeks. He only had to suffer a couple of eggs on the head.

"On closing, yes, I did cut IRON MAIDEN's sound. This is the way I look at it: Ozzfest is our tour. We built it into something that's lasted 10 years now. We've been responsible for breaking many new bands and resurrecting the careers of former superstars. Part of our success stems from the fact that when a band is on Ozzfest we treat them with nothing but kindness and respect just as if we had invited them into our home. You can ask all of the bands who have been on the tour. They all describe it as the 'ultimate summer camp.' It's like one big family. Unfortunately Dickinson doesn't have the manners to realize that when you are invited into someone's home, are seated at their dinner table, are eating their food and drinking their wine, you shouldn't talk disrespectfully about them (Ozzy, BLACK SABBATH and Ozzfest), otherwise you just might get your ass handed to you. Every action has a reaction. Was Dickinson so na?ve to think that I was going to let him get away with talking sh*t about my family night after night? I don't think he realizes who he's dealing with. I will not endure behavior like this from anyone.

"I know you would love to keep talking about this because this is the most press that IRON MAIDEN has had in the U.S. in twenty years, but let's move on, shall we?

"Sincerely,

"The 'Real' Iron Maiden

"Sharon Osbourne"
   

[Malcolm]

RockConfidential.com earlier today (August 25) conducted an interview with BLACK LABEL SOCIETY mainman/OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist Zakk Wylde. An excerpt from the chat follows:

RockConfidential.com: Ozzy announced on this tour that he'd be retiring from Ozzfest and only doing select shows in the future. What do you think about that?

Zakk Wylde: "I always told Ozz that the great thing is that he's the namesake of it. If you created the Superbowl and played in the first Superbowl, people are gonna show up to see other Superbowls. Just because the Green Bay Packers were in the first two, what nobody's gonna show up if their not in 'em all? It's still the Superbowl. I told Ozz he should take a year off. That's the beauty of it. Take a year off and let somebody else headline the thing, chill out and relax. If anybody deserves to take a weekend off it's definitely him! They say James Brown is the hardest working man in show business, but Ozzy never stops!"

RockConfidential.com: Is the whole thing with IRON MAIDEN overblown or is it for real? How did all the drama start?

Zakk Wylde: "This is fact and this is reality. It's not the guys in MAIDEN and their crew. They're a beautiful bunch of guys. Bruce Dickinson every night would be saying 'Ozzy sucks,' 'Ozzfest blows,' 'Corporate America sucks,' 'America sucks,' and all this other crap. He was bagging on America and bagging on Ozz. Ozzy's the godfather of my son. It wasn't like Bruce said those things one night. This happened every night on the 'fest. If you got signed by George Steinbrenner to play for the Yankees and every day you say, 'Steinbrenner sucks,' 'Yankee Stadium blows,' 'I can't stand playing for this team ? it sucks ass,' then why are you playing for the Yankees? Shut your fuckin' pie hole. All he had to do was go up there, play for an hour, whoop some ass and go home. The only thing Ozzy's ever done was given MAIDEN a stage to come over and play to the biggest audience in the summer. Ozzy would give you the shirt off his back. He'd never do a bad thing to anybody. Sharon didn't like him talking about her husband like that and talking about Ozzfest like that. It's just not kosher. The bottom line is Bruce was being a wad! You act like a cunt, you get treated like a cunt! That's what happened. He's definitely not one of the guys. Everybody in their band and crew are cool. I love MAIDEN but he's talking about the godfather of my son, he's bagging America and all the troops are fighting overseas defending our way of life and freedom and fighting terrorism. This dickwad's taking American money and then he's gonna go home. At the same time he thinks he can badmouth America. It's not cool. He got pelted with a batch of eggs and they turned the power off on him! Go home!"