- August 26, 2000 - Shoreline Amphitheater - Mt. View, CA
- Ozzy and his Crazy Train Circus Wagon rolled into town as it made its pitstops along the country roads. Ozzy still knows how to bring the crowds in and get the metalheads all riled up. This show was no different - thousands of screaming fans (growling and hoarse rasping was closer to the case later in the day) were in full force to show their support for music of the alloy nature. When talking about decibles at a heavy metal concert, let's just say that the seats gave some incredible bass vibrations. By putting my feet on the seat back in front of me, I was treated to quite a nice massage.
Amongst the many bands there, we were actually there to cover several certain groups. The rest, I can only say did very well, judging by the crowd's reaction and tales that were told amongst the fans throughout the day.
Methods Of Mayhem -
The first band that I happened on was Methods Of Mayhem, fronted by former Mötley Crüe skinsman and infamous babe-beater Tommy Lee. It was a little odd to focus in on the fact that Tommy has forgone his drums in favor of being a frontman and guitarist for this band of oddly dressed yet interesting performing group of misfits. It could be safe to say, judging by the subject matter that Tommy yelled out to the crowd - punctuated as often as possible by the word "Fuck!" - that Tommy's concept of probation and court order is summed up with "Court order? What fucking court order?!?". Mr. Lee went into one diatribe, giving an example about going to a party, drinking to oblivion, driving home, crawling into the bed and, upon waking up, wondering how one got there. Too bad. It could have been a nice seque into a "how I learned that alcohol screwed up my life, my marriage and my career", but no, back to old habits for him. Just before that, Tommy launched into a very violent song called "Beat The Bitch Wife With The Baby In Her Arms". No, wait, actually it was called "Anger Management". Hey, easy mistake judging by the company and the reputation. I must say though that I expected MOM to not be that good. I was pleasantly surprised and actually enjoyed them - both musically and visually. Tommy doesn't need to maintain his macho primp so much with the "fuck this" and "fuck that". We all got the idea that he thinks he's pretty "fucking" cool.
Zakk Wylde -
The show had actually started at 10 a.m. Who the hell gets up a 9 a.m. to go to a concert on a Saturday though? Zakk Wylde had performed at 1 p.m. and, as expected, his mouth got more attention than his superb guitar playing. This performance's rantings concerned MTV, the state of today's music, and black people in general. The quote of quotes this time was, "I don't get MTV and all their nigger-loving crap music." He then went on to a few rants regarding Limp Bizkit and any other rap metal bands. Judging by the fact that he was in the midst of a festival of just such bands, and having called them all, basically, nigger-lovers, I wonder how long he lasted backstage before getting whacked upside the head. Other than that, his show was amongst the best of the day and was a special event since he was only appearing on a scant few shows.
Static-X -
Static-X took the stage during the very late afternoon and took it by storm. This new band is sure to stir up the radio stations before too long. As it is, their videos for "Push It" and "I'm With Stupid" are amongst the most creative on MTV. They rock and rock hard. Guitarist Koichi stands in place and plays guitar like he means it. He is quite serious. This offsets the ecclectic "Slim Jim" hairdo and odd persona of guitarist/vocalist Wayne. Tony on bass, the hairy madman, and a very proficient Ken on drums really did their deed well onstage as they burst through their set, even adding in "Burning Inside" by Ministry. The set would have been perfect if not for one song which was performed just a split beat behind the programming. Oh well. Their human, dammit.
Kittie -
Kittie hit the second stage to a wildly anticipating crowd who was most appreciative of their being on the bill. However, myself being a big fan too, I have to sadly say that they ended up not being all that I had hoped for. Apparently this was true for many others who complained of the same two problems - weak and tired - as their performance was called. Their appearance of performance looked as though playing was incredibly hard work. Although guitarist Fallon Bowman was quite cheerful to be playing, she kept taking deep breaths between each song as though she was running a marathon. Kittie, on album, is a very good up-and-coming band who I hope to really see hit the big time. For now though, there are many aspects that need working on - which I won't knock too hard for the fact that they are young yet and have accomplished quite a lot in a short time. Think of the fact that Def Leppard (who was once a metal band too many, many years ago) started at the ages of 15 through 18 on their first release.
Incubus -
Incubus. Yes, Incubus returned to the OzzFest once again, this time higher on the bill and rightfully so. This is an odd band to describe - and they are not metal at all by definition, but remain heavy. Theirs is a sound all their own but one that is infectious and fresh. They performed a very concise set that consisted of the singer playing "lead drum", in a way, that was strapped on around his waist. Quite the drum jam between him and the drummer.
Godsmack -
Godsmack as well returned and higher on the bill. I don't know what to make of this band. My personal thought is that they were one of the last bands in on the radio push of their style. This would make is seem logical that they would be one of the first ones to fade. So far, their popularity has only risen. The crowd dug them as they poured through their hits. They tended to be a bit repeititious though - how many times can Sully jam the word "away" into a single song, let alone a whole set.
We ended up having to check out before Pantera and his majesty, Ozzy Osbourne himself. Overall, the show, as always, was entertaining. However, as a few people pointed out, with 1999's tour consisting of Rob Zombie, a fresher Godsmack, and Black Sabbath reunion, how could anyone top that bill? It almost wasn't worth trying but, metal lives on and we need Ozzy, so bring it on.
Written by Philip Anderson
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