It’s official: fans in America won’t be the only ones complaining about Ozzfest’s lineup this year. It has been revealed that the U.K. edition of Ozzfest will be held on September 18 at London’s O2 Arena. The bill will feature Ozzy Osbourne (of course), Korn, The Murderdolls, Skindred and a yet-to-be-announced act in addition to second stage acts. Ozzfest U.K. will also feature a “lower-tier” ticketing scheme that will allow buyers to purchase tickets that will be valid for the especially enlarged standing area and lower-tier seating.
Not to knock the British version’s lineup, but it sounds like it’s got something in common with it’s American counterpart: a somewhat lackluster lineup (sounding familiar?). The Murderdolls and Skindred are admittedly more popular in the UK than they are here, but are they really that big of a draw? Granted, maybe I should reserve my judgment till they announce the additional main stage act and second stage lineup. But if we learned anything from this year’s U.S. Ozzfest, maybe we shouldn’t hold our breath.
By no means am I implying that both the U.K. and U.S. lineups are godawful (hell if I could, I’d go to either show). But compared to previous years (remember, this isn’t the first time they’ve had an Ozzfest in Britain), it’s still pretty weak, especially considering that this is Ozzfest’s “major return”. But on the bright side, at least Ozzfest is doing a little more than just six dates, even if it is with a different lineup and outside the country. It’s a good sign that bigger things may come next summer, or at least better planning. Plus, now Ozzy can add something else to his growing list of things he’s doing (and it isn’t a Christmas album!).
