I'm aware this is my second post about hating a famous person in 2 days and it might not be healthy, but here is another one... Its a ton of reading and you can get the gest of it all through the first article below but a handful of posters might enjoy reading all of it.
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Originally posted in the Iron Maiden forum
Iron Maiden- It is a cliche, but the band rocked hard, the band rocked mightily. They also had an unparalled sense of professionalism that is missing from modern music. Opening with "Murders", there was A TON of crap thrown at the band for the first forty seconds or so. It happened again during "The Trooper". Most of the shit seemed to come from one location near the front. Also, a stage invader invaded the stage (uhh, oops) hoisting a huge American flag. This person was quickly escorted off. After the song, Bruce went on a well deserved rant about all of the stuff that was flying, the drum kit having to be wiped down, told us that they weren't going anywhere and they will finish their set, and urged us to police ourselves (read: beat the shit out of anyone throwing anything at the band). Revelations came and went without much incident.
By the way, the bonfires that were burning on the lawn added a nice orange glow to the night sky. Maiden then played "Phantom" and half way through they LOST ALL SOUND. Everyone was standing around confused, Bruce kept the crowd entertained by pretending to conduct an orchestra. They got the sound back and immediately launched into "Run to the Hills". Half way through that song, they lost the sound again for about five seconds, but they didn't miss a beat. I think Bruce then went on a rant about not bowing to corporate pressures and not being on a reality tv show (hint, hint). Asking how many people have never seen Maiden, about 80% of the crowd raised their hands.
I think they played "Hallowed" and during the intro, Bruce pointed out some asshole who had spit on him. Said asshole (wearing glasses apparently) was extracted by security. During the song, they lost the sound again. After getting the sound back, they successfully completed "Iron Maiden" with no problems. The first encore was Running Free, and the whole band finally seemed to be enjoying themselves. Bruce even said during the sing a long part "You can sing it Iron Maiden style (he did a falsetto that trailed off after three seconds) or you can sing it Slipknot style (growls Running Free).
After the song, Bruce tells the crowd that someone is throwing eggs at them and that their technical difficulties was being caused by SOMEONE intentionally turning off the sound. They played Sanctuary and after the song, WHILE THEY WERE STILL ON STAGE, a disembodied voice came over the PA and started chanting "Ozzy, Ozzy...", Bruce countered with a Maiden chant. He thanked some of crowd (the new and old Maiden fans) and the band departed with heads held high. Like
I said, they played while shit was being thrown at them, they played while their sound was being fucked with, they thanked the crowd. Professionalism. Then the real show started.
Sharon Osbourne- After Maiden left (what, she couldn't do it while they were on stage?), she came on to address the crowd. She stated that she loved Maiden, but that Bruce was a prick (for bad mouthing her tv show all tour). It was also suggested that their sound problems were not that accidental, and maybe even the egg thrower wasn't some random asshole. How some one could get a bunch of eggs past the draconian security, and hold on to them ALL DAY is a little unusual.
They crowd then did two amazing things. First we all booed her (myself included) and she mercifully walked off stage. There was then a mass exodus for the parking lot (myself included). Security guards were asking us if the show was over... a few said "yes" a few said that we are protesting. Bruce goes on a rant (even misplaced), then fine, whatever, he has the right to an opinion. If Sharon announces that she doen't like someone, then fine, whatever, she has her opinion. But to SABOTAGE a bands performance reeks of unprofessionalism and vileness to the band, their fans and the fans of the other bands, all whom PAID HARD EARNED CASH for the ticket, parking, t shirts and other useless crap, and finally food and water (well, water based liquids). $85 dollars to get in, and I got a ruined set. While walking out, I heard others saying such things like "I don't like Maiden, but what she did was fucked up", "Fuck Sharon, her drug addicted son, her talentless overwieght daughter, and that pet dog she calls Ozzy", and "She is never getting my money again".
Her family is insanely rich. With money comes power and power corrupts. Many people had lost respect for Sharon, and for her sins her husband will suffer the (financial) consequences. Enjoy my $85 you bitch, it will be the last you will see of my money. Maiden soldiered on and gained a few new fans despite the problems (their set had the potential to be blindingly good). Sharon and Ozzy lost respect, lost fans, and- importantly to them-- lost money.
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Mp3 links of the rants
http://www.sanktuarium.org/html/sharon.mp3
http://www.sanktuarium.org/html/bruce1.mp3
http://www.sanktuarium.org/html/bruce2.mp3
""Despite the rumors of August 20th Ozzfest, Bury Your Dead had nothing to with what transpired during Iron Maiden's set. Although being asked to be apart of what took place, we declined out of respect for Iron Maiden as we are all fans and watched the band almost every night. I'm sorry to see that people are so quick to believe what's written on the internet, and we are confident we will be exonerated.--Bury Your Dead""
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Everyone's saying Kelly Osbourne orchestrated it, and she was seen in the crowd before it happened. i think they're just scared that people will stop caring about Black Sabbath. i remember when i went last year Judas Priest blew them off the stage, and pretty much everyone had lost interest by the time Black Sabbath came on.
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"Iron Maiden fans have now hit back, with one petitioner saying: "Sharon and Kelly's actions towards Bruce and Iron Maiden are despicable at best", while another wrote: "It clearly shows how low the Osbournes are willing to go to upstage an incredible act that were asked by the family to co-headline and yet Maiden are treated with disrespect."
Sharon denies any involvement in the pelting incident or technical problems and insists Ozzy's loyal fans are to blame."
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23/08/2005OZZFEST - SAN BERNARDINO AUG 20
Maiden are currently returning from America and preparing for UK festivals this weekend and don't wish to waste time giving Sharon Osbourne's statement the dignity of a reply. Considering the disgraceful nature of the events that occurred they feel it's a pretty dismal effort at self justification and they don't think Metal fans are at all gullible and that they will easily see through it. They want no more to do with this sorry incident and are very much looking forward to headlining Reading and Leeds Festivals this weekend.
I would however like to add my own comment on this.
In 30 years in this business and after attending hundreds of gigs l have never seen anything anywhere near as disgusting and unprofessional as what went on that night. I was standing on our sound desk out front as usual but ran to the stage as soon as the hail of missiles began and from then on watched from the front of the stage right next to Bruce's walkway. The scale, viciousness and concentration of the throwing made it obvious that this was a premeditated and co-ordinated attack. Assaulting musicians while performing by throwing bottle tops, lighters and eggs at them from just a few yards away is vile, dangerous, criminal and cowardly. It is incredible that Ozzfest security apparently did nothing about it - aren't they there to protect the bands too? Especially when the band is concentrating on a performance in front of 45,000 people and the missiles are coming out of the glare of the spotlights. And to spit at a band on stage is unforgivable.
Iron Maiden, like all the bands on Ozzfest, had to sign quite onerous legal documents part of which was promising not to throw anything into the audience, even wristbands!!! Ironic isn't it.
It is well documented on the web who was responsible for planning and participating in this attack and for musicians to join in this assault on other musicians is a shocking disgrace akin to treachery. You should all be thoroughly ashamed of yourselves.
We know who authorised the making of the 'ozzy - ozzy' chant tape the day before and how it was played secretly through the PA at the very beginning and end of our set.
We also know who continually turned off the power interrupting our set at crucial moments. It is a good thing that the power was turned back on before there was a riot as you could sense on stage a lot of the huge audience were getting totally pissed off at this continual onslaught on the band.
The great majority of the Ozzfest crew throughout the tour were terrific and we thank them. Those who participated or stood idly by and watched as this all went down should also be ashamed of themselves and l would certainly hope they never come near a tour with which we are involved.
There is little point in my commenting on the chap with the flag or their trying to hold up Eddie or Sharon's speech as the audience made their feelings very clear on each occasion.
And in the end what was all this about?? If l had any sort of problem or misunderstanding with a band working on a tour we were involved in l would go and talk to them or their manager - not wait until the end of a tour and assault and ambush them. Or was that really it?
I find it staggering that this ambush would take place in front of any audience, let alone in San Bernardino, the biggest audience of the tour. Didn't that audience merit any consideration? They pay an awful lot to be there in terms of prices for tickets, parking, food, beer etc. Surely if they spend this sort of money they deserve to watch the bands they paid to see be able to put in a full unhindered performance. Free of danger and intimidation. If I had paid I would ask for my money back!
And this audience really were outstanding, giving the band incredible support and many voting with their feet in disgust after the set and the speech, which to many was the final insult.
I have to say l was immensely proud of Maiden who stood up to it all and showed great courage and just got better and better through the adversity. Their heads never dropped, instead they went on the offensive. It was a truly memorable moment when Bruce went to the very front of the stage during Trooper - something which he never normally does as he is usually on the ramps - waving the flag whilst avoiding the hail of missiles and yelling 'This is a fucking British flag, and these colours don't fucking run!'. The imperturbable attitude and ability of the band shone through and in the end made this a truly remarkable rock and roll event, even if for all the wrong reasons.
We will have no more to say on this matter except that l do think the band deserve an apology from a number of people, and you know who you are.
ROD SMALLWOOD
MANAGER, IRON MAIDEN
CHAIRMAN, SANCTUARY ARTIST MANAGEMENT
www.ironmaiden.com
<HR>
Originally posted in the Iron Maiden forum
Iron Maiden- It is a cliche, but the band rocked hard, the band rocked mightily. They also had an unparalled sense of professionalism that is missing from modern music. Opening with "Murders", there was A TON of crap thrown at the band for the first forty seconds or so. It happened again during "The Trooper". Most of the shit seemed to come from one location near the front. Also, a stage invader invaded the stage (uhh, oops) hoisting a huge American flag. This person was quickly escorted off. After the song, Bruce went on a well deserved rant about all of the stuff that was flying, the drum kit having to be wiped down, told us that they weren't going anywhere and they will finish their set, and urged us to police ourselves (read: beat the shit out of anyone throwing anything at the band). Revelations came and went without much incident.
By the way, the bonfires that were burning on the lawn added a nice orange glow to the night sky. Maiden then played "Phantom" and half way through they LOST ALL SOUND. Everyone was standing around confused, Bruce kept the crowd entertained by pretending to conduct an orchestra. They got the sound back and immediately launched into "Run to the Hills". Half way through that song, they lost the sound again for about five seconds, but they didn't miss a beat. I think Bruce then went on a rant about not bowing to corporate pressures and not being on a reality tv show (hint, hint). Asking how many people have never seen Maiden, about 80% of the crowd raised their hands.
I think they played "Hallowed" and during the intro, Bruce pointed out some asshole who had spit on him. Said asshole (wearing glasses apparently) was extracted by security. During the song, they lost the sound again. After getting the sound back, they successfully completed "Iron Maiden" with no problems. The first encore was Running Free, and the whole band finally seemed to be enjoying themselves. Bruce even said during the sing a long part "You can sing it Iron Maiden style (he did a falsetto that trailed off after three seconds) or you can sing it Slipknot style (growls Running Free).
After the song, Bruce tells the crowd that someone is throwing eggs at them and that their technical difficulties was being caused by SOMEONE intentionally turning off the sound. They played Sanctuary and after the song, WHILE THEY WERE STILL ON STAGE, a disembodied voice came over the PA and started chanting "Ozzy, Ozzy...", Bruce countered with a Maiden chant. He thanked some of crowd (the new and old Maiden fans) and the band departed with heads held high. Like
I said, they played while shit was being thrown at them, they played while their sound was being fucked with, they thanked the crowd. Professionalism. Then the real show started.
Sharon Osbourne- After Maiden left (what, she couldn't do it while they were on stage?), she came on to address the crowd. She stated that she loved Maiden, but that Bruce was a prick (for bad mouthing her tv show all tour). It was also suggested that their sound problems were not that accidental, and maybe even the egg thrower wasn't some random asshole. How some one could get a bunch of eggs past the draconian security, and hold on to them ALL DAY is a little unusual.
They crowd then did two amazing things. First we all booed her (myself included) and she mercifully walked off stage. There was then a mass exodus for the parking lot (myself included). Security guards were asking us if the show was over... a few said "yes" a few said that we are protesting. Bruce goes on a rant (even misplaced), then fine, whatever, he has the right to an opinion. If Sharon announces that she doen't like someone, then fine, whatever, she has her opinion. But to SABOTAGE a bands performance reeks of unprofessionalism and vileness to the band, their fans and the fans of the other bands, all whom PAID HARD EARNED CASH for the ticket, parking, t shirts and other useless crap, and finally food and water (well, water based liquids). $85 dollars to get in, and I got a ruined set. While walking out, I heard others saying such things like "I don't like Maiden, but what she did was fucked up", "Fuck Sharon, her drug addicted son, her talentless overwieght daughter, and that pet dog she calls Ozzy", and "She is never getting my money again".
Her family is insanely rich. With money comes power and power corrupts. Many people had lost respect for Sharon, and for her sins her husband will suffer the (financial) consequences. Enjoy my $85 you bitch, it will be the last you will see of my money. Maiden soldiered on and gained a few new fans despite the problems (their set had the potential to be blindingly good). Sharon and Ozzy lost respect, lost fans, and- importantly to them-- lost money.
<HR>
Mp3 links of the rants
http://www.sanktuarium.org/html/sharon.mp3
http://www.sanktuarium.org/html/bruce1.mp3
http://www.sanktuarium.org/html/bruce2.mp3
""Despite the rumors of August 20th Ozzfest, Bury Your Dead had nothing to with what transpired during Iron Maiden's set. Although being asked to be apart of what took place, we declined out of respect for Iron Maiden as we are all fans and watched the band almost every night. I'm sorry to see that people are so quick to believe what's written on the internet, and we are confident we will be exonerated.--Bury Your Dead""
--------------------------------------------------------
Everyone's saying Kelly Osbourne orchestrated it, and she was seen in the crowd before it happened. i think they're just scared that people will stop caring about Black Sabbath. i remember when i went last year Judas Priest blew them off the stage, and pretty much everyone had lost interest by the time Black Sabbath came on.
---------------------------------------------------
"Iron Maiden fans have now hit back, with one petitioner saying: "Sharon and Kelly's actions towards Bruce and Iron Maiden are despicable at best", while another wrote: "It clearly shows how low the Osbournes are willing to go to upstage an incredible act that were asked by the family to co-headline and yet Maiden are treated with disrespect."
Sharon denies any involvement in the pelting incident or technical problems and insists Ozzy's loyal fans are to blame."
---------------------------------------------------------------
23/08/2005OZZFEST - SAN BERNARDINO AUG 20
Maiden are currently returning from America and preparing for UK festivals this weekend and don't wish to waste time giving Sharon Osbourne's statement the dignity of a reply. Considering the disgraceful nature of the events that occurred they feel it's a pretty dismal effort at self justification and they don't think Metal fans are at all gullible and that they will easily see through it. They want no more to do with this sorry incident and are very much looking forward to headlining Reading and Leeds Festivals this weekend.
I would however like to add my own comment on this.
In 30 years in this business and after attending hundreds of gigs l have never seen anything anywhere near as disgusting and unprofessional as what went on that night. I was standing on our sound desk out front as usual but ran to the stage as soon as the hail of missiles began and from then on watched from the front of the stage right next to Bruce's walkway. The scale, viciousness and concentration of the throwing made it obvious that this was a premeditated and co-ordinated attack. Assaulting musicians while performing by throwing bottle tops, lighters and eggs at them from just a few yards away is vile, dangerous, criminal and cowardly. It is incredible that Ozzfest security apparently did nothing about it - aren't they there to protect the bands too? Especially when the band is concentrating on a performance in front of 45,000 people and the missiles are coming out of the glare of the spotlights. And to spit at a band on stage is unforgivable.
Iron Maiden, like all the bands on Ozzfest, had to sign quite onerous legal documents part of which was promising not to throw anything into the audience, even wristbands!!! Ironic isn't it.
It is well documented on the web who was responsible for planning and participating in this attack and for musicians to join in this assault on other musicians is a shocking disgrace akin to treachery. You should all be thoroughly ashamed of yourselves.
We know who authorised the making of the 'ozzy - ozzy' chant tape the day before and how it was played secretly through the PA at the very beginning and end of our set.
We also know who continually turned off the power interrupting our set at crucial moments. It is a good thing that the power was turned back on before there was a riot as you could sense on stage a lot of the huge audience were getting totally pissed off at this continual onslaught on the band.
The great majority of the Ozzfest crew throughout the tour were terrific and we thank them. Those who participated or stood idly by and watched as this all went down should also be ashamed of themselves and l would certainly hope they never come near a tour with which we are involved.
There is little point in my commenting on the chap with the flag or their trying to hold up Eddie or Sharon's speech as the audience made their feelings very clear on each occasion.
And in the end what was all this about?? If l had any sort of problem or misunderstanding with a band working on a tour we were involved in l would go and talk to them or their manager - not wait until the end of a tour and assault and ambush them. Or was that really it?
I find it staggering that this ambush would take place in front of any audience, let alone in San Bernardino, the biggest audience of the tour. Didn't that audience merit any consideration? They pay an awful lot to be there in terms of prices for tickets, parking, food, beer etc. Surely if they spend this sort of money they deserve to watch the bands they paid to see be able to put in a full unhindered performance. Free of danger and intimidation. If I had paid I would ask for my money back!
And this audience really were outstanding, giving the band incredible support and many voting with their feet in disgust after the set and the speech, which to many was the final insult.
I have to say l was immensely proud of Maiden who stood up to it all and showed great courage and just got better and better through the adversity. Their heads never dropped, instead they went on the offensive. It was a truly memorable moment when Bruce went to the very front of the stage during Trooper - something which he never normally does as he is usually on the ramps - waving the flag whilst avoiding the hail of missiles and yelling 'This is a fucking British flag, and these colours don't fucking run!'. The imperturbable attitude and ability of the band shone through and in the end made this a truly remarkable rock and roll event, even if for all the wrong reasons.
We will have no more to say on this matter except that l do think the band deserve an apology from a number of people, and you know who you are.
ROD SMALLWOOD
MANAGER, IRON MAIDEN
CHAIRMAN, SANCTUARY ARTIST MANAGEMENT
www.ironmaiden.com
