Ozzfest '97 in Columbus turned chaotic when Ozzy Osbourne, the headliner, was unable to perform due to illness. Fans reacted by causing significant damage to the Polaris Amphitheater, including lighting fires and vandalizing property. The event, marked by disappointment and destruction, remains a memorable moment for attendees. Ozzy made up for the missed performance with a later concert, humorously addressing the incident.
Ozzfest '97, a renowned metal music festival, is etched in the memories of its attendees for reasons beyond the music. The festival, which featured performances by iconic bands, ended in chaos when headliner Ozzy Osbourne canceled his set last minute due to illness. This news triggered a riot at the Polaris Amphitheater in Columbus, leading to widespread vandalism and a memorable night of chaos for the fans present.
The riot at Ozzfest '97 began after Pantera's frontman, Phil Anselmo, announced that Ozzy Osbourne would not be performing due to health issues. The crowd of approximately 18,000 people, already charged by performances from bands like Marilyn Manson and Machine Head, reacted violently. The venue suffered extensive damage; fans lit fires, smashed windows, and destroyed property, prompting the intervention of police with reinforcements and a helicopter to manage the crowd. This event is vividly remembered by attendees like Sam Natcher and Justin Roman, who recall the intense atmosphere and the physical destruction of the venue.
Eyewitnesses like Eric Forson and Robert Beckman provide a closer look at the chaos. Forson described the scene as it 'rained sod' from all the dirt being thrown around, while Beckman recounted the restless nature of the crowd throughout the night, which escalated quickly once the cancellation was announced. The personal stories from the attendees highlight the intense and almost surreal nature of the riot, underscoring the strong reactions from the fans who were expecting to see their music idol.
Despite the initial disappointment, Ozzy Osbourne returned to Columbus a few weeks later for a makeup concert. During this event, he humorously referenced the riot, pointing to the new fence and joking about its cost. This return not only served as a redemption for his earlier absence but also helped mend the relationship with his fans. The makeup concert provided a stark contrast to the earlier chaos, offering fans the performance they had eagerly anticipated and a moment of closure.
The Ozzfest '97 riot remains a significant event in the history of rock music festivals, illustrating the intense passion of music fans and the potential for chaos when expectations are not met. Ozzy Osbourne's subsequent return to Columbus not only fulfilled the missed opportunity but also demonstrated his commitment to his fans, ensuring the legend of Ozzfest '97 would not be defined by its lowest moment.
"When we noticed they had lit the fence on fire, my dad said we had to leave." - Justin Roman
"He pointed out to the lawn and something along the lines of, 'How do you guys like that new fence I just bought?'" - Ozzy Osbourne