We have the press release for OzzFest 2006. You can find out why Ozzy is only doing 10 shows, who the bands will be and find out what some of those bands think of being on OzzFest. As a special treat, we have the list of cities OzzFest will be visiting in 2006.

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“They came, they saw, they pumped fists,” wrote Entertainment Weekly last year about the fans who experienced the “sweaty-heady essence” of the 10th anniversary of the king of festivals, the mighty OZZFEST .

And now, amped up to 11, the summer’s premiere touring concert festival enters its second decade this July with clenched teeth and trademark invincible spirit. OZZfest will roll out July 1 in San Francisco and visit 20 cities, with venues TBA.

Founder and namesake OZZY OSBOURNE is set to headline just 10 shows this summer. Why? “Because after 10 years I feel it’s time to let someone else share the headlining spotlight. We want to shake it up a bit this year,” says OZZY. “I’ve closed virtually every OZZfest performance for a decade now and I feel I can finally let other artists headline our festival and that’s my intention for the future.”

This year’s main stage lineup features headliner SYSTEM OF A DOWN and such formidable artists as DISTURBED, HATEBREED and LACUNA COIL. Fans can also expect a major main stage addition to be revealed on May 23rd. As testament to the tour’s undeniable impact on the music world, each of the announced main stage act (other than OZZY himself) started out in the trenches on OZZfest’s down-and-dirty second stage and subsequently won the approval of the festival’s discerning followers. Both SYSTEM OF A DOWN and DISTURBED have gone on to enjoy multi-platinum sales for critically acclaimed albums that have entered the charts at #1. *(See artist quotes below.)

Headlining this year’s second stage as a perennial favorite is the Zakk Wylde-led BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, who blew fans away on the main stage last year. Joining them are such high-decibel bands whose names alone underline their fiercely uncompromising vision: ATREYU, UNEARTH, BLEEDING THROUGH, NORMA JEAN, A LIFE ONCE LOST, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, THE RED CHORD, FULL BLOWN CHAOS, WALLS OF JERICHO, ALL THAT REMAINS and BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME.

The tour will mark OZZY OSBOURNE’S first solo concerts in three years (having headlined OZZfest with Black Sabbath in 2005 and 2004) and the 20th anniversary of guitarist Zakk Wylde being in his band. OZZY will be debuting a new song at OZZfest from the solo album that he’s currently working on with Zakk (release date TBA). The as-yet-untitled disc will be OZZY’s first solo album of new material since 2001.

OZZFEST has taken on a life of its own and has become a virtual breeding ground for rising bands. The festival has been instrumental in catapulting the careers of platinum-selling artists like System of a Down, Disturbed, Linkin Park, Incubus, Slipknot, Queens of the Stoneage, Drowning Pool, Godsmack, Chevelle and P.O.D.

“As we head into our eleventh year,” says tour founder SHARON OSBOURNE, “OZZfest remains committed to its original vision of sharing this vibrant music and lifestyle that was and is still overlooked by the mainstream media. It’s something real that our audience understands–and demands–and their undying support for this music is the reason for OZZfest’s continued success.” “Ozzfest has thrived because of repeat business,” OSBOURNE continues. “Fans of this music know firsthand that Ozzfest offers them a full day of music. We give them a chance to see the best of the new bands on the 2nd stage to the legends of the genre on the main stage. It’s the only place to see all of these bands on one show!”

Originally launched in 1996, the all-day extravaganza of music and deranged merriment is roaring louder than ever and has produced impressive figures. Number of bands to grace its stages: 146. Number of shows: 263. Number of fans: 4-and-a-half million and counting.

In addition to drawing vital hard rock acts, OZZFEST has always attracted a variety of select sponsors devoted to the tour’s core fan base. In addition to hosting the second stage, Monster Energy will be hosting a VIP/Hospitality area and will invite a limited number of fans to cool off and get re-energized with a cold Monster Energy. Hot Topic will be the festival’s official soft line retailer. PlayStation® will be out in force, giving fans a chance to play the latest software titles for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) system while enjoying the hard sounds of the Village of the Damned at Ozzfest. F.Y.E. (For Your Entertainment) is on board for the fifth consecutive year as the official music retailer and will host the FYE autograph tent giving fans the opportunity to meet some of their favorite OZZFEST artists. TROJAN ® brand condoms will also have presence in the Village as the official condom of OZZFEST. Jagermeister will once again bring the backyard BBQ party back to Ozzfest and prove their commitment to metal music with artist autograph signings and tons of free swag for attendees 21 and over.
* ARTIST QUOTES
“Were thrilled to again be a part of one of the greatest American festival traditions. Ozzfest has always been an amazing time for SYSTEM OF A DOWN. We look very forward to the summer.” –John Dolmayan/SYSTEM OF A DOWN

“Ozzfest is where we were born, its been the breeding ground for many hard rock/heavy metal bands and it helped make us who we are. Sharon and Ozzy have both always been strong supporters of the band and we are honored to be doing this tour for a 4th time and to be sharing the stage with some significant Ozzfest alumni.” –David Draiman/DISTURBED

“First off, the Ozzfest is the most slamming tour out there. I look forward to it every year. You get a chance to see some ass-kickin new bands and legendary bands, as well. Aside of that, you can hang out all day and drink beer with your buds. Long Live Ozzy & Sharon! Long Live The Ozzfest!” –Zakk Wylde/BLACK LABEL SOCIETY

“Hatebreed is extremely excited and honored to be a part of this years Ozzfest. It is by far THE BEST tour weve ever been involved with and we are looking forward to joining up for our 4th year! We will be releasing our 4th album this summer and we plan on playing a bunch of new songs that weve yet to perform live and were proud to have graduated to the mainstage where our heroes Black Sabbath, Ozzy, Slayer, Judas Priest and many others have performed. We have a lot of surprises in store! See you all this summer!” –Jamey Jasta/HATEBREED

“We in Lacuna Coil are extremely excited to be part of this years Ozzfest! After a very successful second stage run in 2004, were happy to come back this summer to open the main stage and perform with all these great bands! Thanks to Ozzy and Sharon for having us and see you all this summer!” –LACUNA COIL

Ozzfest 2006 dates (venues to be determined), according to the tours publicist:

Jul. 01 – San Francisco, CA
Jul. 02 – Sacramento, CA
Jul. 08 – Los Angeles, CA
Jul. 14 – Kansas City, MO
Jul. 15 – St. Louis, MO
Jul. 16 – Chicago, IL
Jul. 19 – Detroit, MI
Jul. 21 – Columbus, OH
Jul. 22 – East Troy, WI
Jul. 23 – Indianapolis, IN
Jul. 26 – Scranton, PA
Jul. 27 – Buffalo, NY
Jul. 29 – New York, NY
Jul. 30 – Hartford, CT
Aug. 01 – Boston, MA
Aug. 04 – Camden, NJ
Aug. 05 – Washington, DC
Aug. 06 – Virginia Beach, VA
Aug. 09 – Raleigh, NC
Aug. 13 – West Palm Beach, FL