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Zephyrhills to become the heavy land of Ozz
By BRADY DENNIS © St. Petersburg Times, published April 26, 2001 ZEPHYRHILLS -- Welcome to Ozz. Even before the dust settles on this weekend's Livestock 2001, promoters are planning on Monday to sign a contract for another rock 'n' roll blowout at Zephyrhills Festival Park on July 14. Ozzfest 2001: Bigger Than Satan, is expected to be headlined by heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, with Zephyrhills as one of only two tour stops in Florida. The other is scheduled for July 13 in West Palm Beach. Other headliners for the 21-band rock show are Black Sabbath, Papa Roach and Marilyn Manson, the music-critic-turned-rocker. "It was the most suitable venue in the area," said Lisa Vega, Los Angeles-based executive vice president for Susan Blond Inc., a publicity firm that represents many high-profile recording artists. "Florida has always been a great market for Ozzfest. Ozzy is looking forward to heading Ozzfest with the original Black Sabbath and performing for all their fans." Michael Sierra, owner of Zephyrhills Festival Park, said he would welcome the event. "We haven't signed a contract yet, but it's in the final stages," Sierra said. Ozzfest organizers seem to think it's a done deal. Their Web site, www.Ozzfest.com, lists the event as coming to Zephyrhills, with tickets going on sale May 5. While the event might be new to Pasco County, this isn't its first go-round. In four previous runs, Ozzfest has grossed more than $57-million, including $16.7-million from 22 shows last year. This year's tour includes 29 stops in 18 states, including shows in England and Canada. Ozzfest has gained a rowdy reputation -- police in an August 2000 show in Wisconsin, for example, issued 260 citations on such charges as alcohol violations, drug possession, grand theft, battery and resisting arrest. But the tour for the most part has avoided serious problems. Its lead man, Ozzy Osbourne, formed the heavy metal band Black Sabbath more than 30 years ago. He has sold 130-million albums, half of those as a solo artist. Despite his musical contributions, Osbourne perhaps is best remembered for biting off a bat's head during a 1982 concert in Des Moines, Iowa. Osbourne has said he thought it was a rubber toy a fan had tossed onstage. Other Osbourne stunts have included urinating on the Alamo in Texas. Ticket prices for the July 14 show are expected to range between $50 and $80, according to Ticketmaster.com. - Times researcher Kitty Bennett contributed to this report. Information from the Associated Press was included. -- Brady Dennis covers the city of Zephyrhills and police news in east Pasco. His phone number is (352) 521-5757, ext. 23.
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