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In one of rock's more monumental events, the original Black Sabbath (minus drummer Bill Ward) will reconvene at Riverport Amphitheater for Ozzfest `97. Bassist Geezer Butler and guitarist Tony Iommi will join former member and current solo star Ozzy Osbourne each night after his own headlining set for an historical Black Sabbath reunion.
Since 1978, when Ozzy and Sabbath parted ways, the three have played only two brief sets, one at Live Aid in 1985 and the other on the last date of Ozzy's 1992 World Tour, in Costa Mesa, Calif. In light of the notoriously volatile relationship between Osbourne and Iommi, it had been assumed by most, including Osbourne himself, that Sabbath would never again reunite. Instead, a 30- to 45-minute Black Sabbath set will close each show during the Ozzfest.
In addition to Sabbath and Osbourne, the show will feature Dallas heavy-hitters Pantera. Type O Negative, Fear Factory and Machine Head are also scheduled to perform on the main stage, along with Dreamworks and up-and-coming groove-metal masters Powerman 5000, led by Rob Zombie's younger brother. (Though not included on the St. Louis date, hell-raising group Marilyn Manson is also working on the Northeastern leg of the tour.)
A second stage area, called Never Never Land, will feature more obscure acts, including Coal Chamber, Downset, Drain S.T.H., Kyuss, Neurosis, Slo Burn and Vision of Disorder. Never Never Land will also include interactive exhibitions, rides, games and vendors.
As a testament to the dedication of heavy music fans, Ozzfest `97 is rivaling Lollapalooza, Pointfest and H.O.R.D.E. in ticket sales as one of...