Saturday 09/08/08 Ozzfest @ Pizza Hut Park Dallas, TX

With only one day of Ozzfest this year, the expectations were high and unfortunately, so was the heat.  Dallas hosted the 2008 Ozzfest to a huge crowd of the nation’s most die-hard metal fans.

Dallas’ own Drowning Pool kicked off the day with great set on the side stage.  Starting with their new song ‘37 Stitches’, they rocked as usual do with fans chanting along to every word.  Having an emotional homecoming performance, lead singer Ryan McComb dedicated several tracks to their late singer Dave Williams who passed in 2002.

Continuing the mayhem, Devil Driver absolutely tore the crowd apart within seconds, encouraging a massive circle pit, causing dust to emerge from the ground into a cloud of smoke courtesy of the crowd.  Proclaiming themselves the ‘Mayors of Ozzfest’, their astounding double bass and heavy guitar rifts commanded this audience, letting everyone know they belonged on this tour.

Jonathan Davis, one of the most anticipated acts of the day, left the crowd puzzled as to what exactly his performance was going to be like. Accompanied by a jazz/funk band, Davis played several popular Korn tracks and brand new solo material; all while seated in a char wearing a pinstripe suit. Reaction was varied as some really enjoyed Davis’s new look and sound while others seemed disappointed.

The much-anticipated DimeBag Darrell Tribute was sadly one of the most mediocre performances of the day.  Artists confirmed to honor Dimebag were Kerry King (Slayer), Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains), Mike Inez (Alice In Chains), King Diamond, Scott Ian (Anthrax), Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed, Kingdom Of Sorrow), Chad Gray (Mudvayne, Hellyeah) and Bob Zilla (Damageplan, Hellyeah).  The different artists took turns playing numerous Pantera songs, as well as a rendition of Pink Floyd's ‘Wish You Were Here’. Shown on the jumbotrons were photos and video of the late guitarist, allowing fans to remember the legend in his hometown.

Around 7:45 PM, Ozzy Osbourne hit the stage showing Dallas that he’s still ready to rock. At 60 years old, Ozzy commanded the crowd, proving age is nothing but a number while keeping up with all the young rockers that performed earlier in the day.  It was apparent that Ozzy was having a great time as his set went on for more than 30 minutes more than expected. 

Ozzfest headliners, Metallica absolutely blew the non-existent roof off Pizza Hut Park.  Coming out with energy that had not been seen from them in years, they were on point with every beat of every song with the crowd right along with them. Receiving an incredible reaction, the audience sang along almost as loud as James Hetfield could be heard through his microphone.

If rumors are true and this year’s Ozzfest was the last ever, it definitely went out with bang.  Every band that performed did so with plenty of energy and made everyone’s trip to Dallas well worth it.  Lets all just hope Ozzy and his accompanying bands will be back next year to keep metal, and the fans that love the genre alive.