Iron Maiden leave Ozzfest in bizarre circumstances
The metal giants depart amid reports of egg peltings and criticism from organisers...
Iron Maiden have left the OZZFEST tour under bizarre circumstances, with the group reportedly pelted with eggs, and organisers criticising singer BRUCE DICKINSON.
Prior to this weekend’s headline appearances at the Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds Festivals the group have been playing shows across North America as part of Ozzfest.
According to MTV news the band’s performance at the Devore Hyundai Pavilion of Glen Helen was greeted with eggs being thrown at the band, while during other songs the sound cut from the band’s set. At another point when Dickinson got out a British flag as part of the show, someone with an American flag ran on, before being removed by security.
The band continued their set, before Sharon Osbourne came onstage and reportedly said that Dickinson had “disrespected Ozzfest” while the band were on the road, before being booed by the crowd.
A statement has been issued by organisers on the official Ozzfest website, which they accuse the singer of “berating Ozzy and belittling the Ozzfest audience”.
It continues: “Out of 200-plus bands over the last ten years, he has been the only person who hasn’t had the Ozzfest spirit. He thought he was at a battle of the bands...the bands of Ozzfest don’t even look at Ozzfest as touring, but as its heavy metal summer camp.”
The band have issued their own statement about the tour, which thanks the American fans. Their statement reads: ” Iron Maiden wish to thank all the 45,000 Metal fans at Ozzfest in San Bernardino on Saturday night for sticking with us and giving us such a great response at the end of a difficult set. It was obvious to all there that we had a 'series of unfortunate events' throughout! These made it difficult for us to keep our momentum but your incredible support certainly helped us get through it. We guess it all adds up to a pretty memorable gig though!!!
”This is, however, a metal festival. It is supposed to be fun for all. You fans pay very good money to be there and deserve to get a full and unhindered performance from all the bands. This was not the case last night.
So with this rather bizarre end to a good tour we are returning to the UK today for the Leeds and Reading Festivals and once again thanks to all of you who came out to see us these last few weeks.”
Were you at the show? Do you have pictures? E-ail your best shots to news@nme.com and the best could be published in NME!
Prior to this weekend’s headline appearances at the Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds Festivals the group have been playing shows across North America as part of Ozzfest.
According to MTV news the band’s performance at the Devore Hyundai Pavilion of Glen Helen was greeted with eggs being thrown at the band, while during other songs the sound cut from the band’s set. At another point when Dickinson got out a British flag as part of the show, someone with an American flag ran on, before being removed by security.
The band continued their set, before Sharon Osbourne came onstage and reportedly said that Dickinson had “disrespected Ozzfest” while the band were on the road, before being booed by the crowd.
A statement has been issued by organisers on the official Ozzfest website, which they accuse the singer of “berating Ozzy and belittling the Ozzfest audience”.
It continues: “Out of 200-plus bands over the last ten years, he has been the only person who hasn’t had the Ozzfest spirit. He thought he was at a battle of the bands...the bands of Ozzfest don’t even look at Ozzfest as touring, but as its heavy metal summer camp.”
The band have issued their own statement about the tour, which thanks the American fans. Their statement reads: ” Iron Maiden wish to thank all the 45,000 Metal fans at Ozzfest in San Bernardino on Saturday night for sticking with us and giving us such a great response at the end of a difficult set. It was obvious to all there that we had a 'series of unfortunate events' throughout! These made it difficult for us to keep our momentum but your incredible support certainly helped us get through it. We guess it all adds up to a pretty memorable gig though!!!
”This is, however, a metal festival. It is supposed to be fun for all. You fans pay very good money to be there and deserve to get a full and unhindered performance from all the bands. This was not the case last night.
So with this rather bizarre end to a good tour we are returning to the UK today for the Leeds and Reading Festivals and once again thanks to all of you who came out to see us these last few weeks.”
Were you at the show? Do you have pictures? E-ail your best shots to news@nme.com and the best could be published in NME!
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