First, Ozzfest was only a rock bands concert. But it experienced so great a success that later it was decided to make a whole tour across the country with the famous musicians. In 1997 the bands performed at multiple stages, which total formed the so-called 'Never Never Land'. Since 1998 Ozzfest became a summer tour. Generally, tour 1998 was not so cheerful compared to the previous ones, because one of the band members Lynn Strait died in a car accident shortly after the tour began.
Ozzfest rock festival develops from year to year, and gradually it becomes more large-scale and attention-grabbing. The participation in the rock festival is very prestigious for each metal band, so more and more metal wizards come to the festival every year in a hope to prove themselves. For the Ozzfest 10th anniversary Ozzy Osbourne arranged a special bonus: the 10 lucky fans could celebrate the occasion with Ozzy himself. The windfall also included a photo with Ozzy, a special Platinum Member Crew Shirt, and a unique crew dinner with Big Dave from 'Battle for Ozzfest' TV-show. It cost about 1000 US Dollars for managers, but the game was worth the candle: the profit was enormous - millions of fans visited the festival last year in a hope to win the prize.
Ozzfest rock festival takes place in more than 20 cities and lasts over a month. Such renowned bands as 'Marilyn Manson', 'Machine Head', 'Snot', 'Slipknot', 'Limp Bizkit', and many others annually take part in the event. One of the most famous bands in Ozzfest is 'Iron Maiden'. It was chosen for the festival tour because of its great popularity. Though, for some time the band had no performances on the US territory. Bruce Dickinson, the leader of 'Iron Maiden', wanted to return to the States, so he came to an agreement with Ozzy about the band participation in the Ozzfest show.
'Iron Maiden' first appeared in Ozzfest in 2005. It is to note that this band consisting of 6 persons has a legendary status of one of metal's largest and most respected unities proud of a colossal fan support. When 'Iron Maiden' were giving their massive show in Gothenburg's Ullevi Stadium all 53,500 tickets were sold in only two hours and a half. During the Ozzfest tour Osbourne offers to the guests about 19 bands playing 12 hours a day at two separate stages. So, if you are a real rock enthusiast you cannot find a better place to go than Ozzfest, whether Iron Maiden Ozzfest or any other, no less appealing. Ozzfest rock festival is always glad to make new friends.