Now that it’s sunk in for a couple of days, I think it’s time to weigh in on the announcement that tickets for the 2007 version of Ozzfest is going to be free. The tab, that is surely massive, will be picked up by various tour sponsors like Jagermeister and Hot Topic. Either way the tour is going to be one giant ad, as if it wasn’t already. I’m guessing if Sharon Osbourne has her way Ozzy might wind up with “Hot Topic” tattooed on his knuckles instead of his name.
My initial reaction is that it is a great gesture. (High ticket prices have to be one of the worst forms of capitalistic thievery I’ve ever been witness too.) It also proves the real money from concerts isn’t made from ticket sales, but rather from the high prices of food and alcohol, not to mention merchandising.
I’m eager to see if the bands on the tour jack up their merchandise prices to offset playing for free. This is one way this grand gesture could backfire on the fans. I think it’s safe to say that one way or another the “captive audience” that makes up a concert crowd will be paying for the show. I’m already hearing rumors of a “beer shortage." (Just kidding.)
It’s already been announced, on Ozzfest's official website, that Ozzy himself will be headlining most the shows as a solo act. This is, of course, in conjunction with the new solo album he is currently readying. Hopefully it will be better than his last few studio efforts. I’ve had a love/hate relationship with Ozzfest’s line-up over the years and I’m curious too see what other bands will be willing to set a summers paycheck aside for the sake of the fans.
There are a lot of rumors that Alice in Chains will be on the bill. It makes sense given their recent comeback tour, but it is still unconfirmed for now. I have a personal hunch that Velvet Revolver may play some dates now that their album has been pushed back to June 8th, just about a month before Ozzfest kicks-off on July 7th in L.A.
Article comments
1 - TC
Ozzfest for free is a great idea and ticket distribution could be problematic. A free concert will create a very high demand for tickets from the fans. The main distribution of the concert tickets will be through the internet at Websites of various sponsors for the tour. Ozzy will be the headlining artist and several other bands are expected to perform including Alice in Chains. The other artists besides Ozzy will not be expected to perform through out the entire tour. The Ozzfest brain trust and tour producer Live Nation will ask corporate sponsors to help cover some of the costs of the free tour. Also, additional revenue will come from food and souvenir concessions that will probably have increased prices during the tour. The statement that Ozzfest and the artists performing are making to the music industry is an important and groundbreaking one. The fans and artists are taking back the power by not putting up with the price gouging that is happening through Ticketmaster and the concert promoter conglomerate known as Clear Channel Entertainment. Rock on Ozzy and Sharon!
TC