When a riot erupts at an Ozzy Osbourne concert, you’d expect it to make headlines. Surprisingly, the chaos at Ozzfest in Columbus on June 17, 1997, barely registered outside the local area. Despite the mayhem, many people, including those in North Carolina and even some in Columbus, remained unaware of the incident.
Ozzfest was highly anticipated, with Marilyn Manson drawing significant attention due to protests from Christian groups. As fans arrived at Polaris Amphitheater, picketers were still present, voicing their disapproval of Manson’s presence.
Our group arrived in two cars, missing the opening act, Powerman 5000. We caught smaller acts on a secondary stage, including a band from Holland called Drain S.T.H. and Coal Chamber, which even impressed our picky friend Paul.
On the main stage, Fear Factory performed decently, but Type O Negative struggled. Their lead singer, Pete Steele, swigged from a bottle throughout their set, and their cover of “Cinnamon Girl” was a highlight for Neil Young fans. However, their performance felt like a joke to those of us no longer in our teens.
Pantera, on the other hand, delivered an intense performance, converting many into fans, including myself. Their set received the most enthusiastic response of the day, with the crowd moshing and moving in unison.
Marilyn Manson’s performance was a disappointment. After a few songs, Manson knocked a monitor off the stage, causing the band to stop playing. They returned briefly to perform “Sweet Dreams,” but the show ended abruptly when a bottle hit Manson.
Rumors began circulating that Ozzy Osbourne wouldn’t perform. A friend, Jon Weirick, who had inside information, warned us that Ozzy was too intoxicated to take the stage. Initially skeptical, we grew concerned as the evening dragged on without Ozzy’s appearance.
Eventually, musicians from Type O Negative, Machine Head, and Fear Factory, along with Pantera’s Phil Anselmo, took the stage to play Ozzy’s songs. Anselmo informed the crowd that Ozzy wouldn’t be performing, leading to boos and unrest.
As the musicians left the stage, chaos ensued. Fans began tearing down fences and setting fires. We decided to leave, witnessing overturned cars and broken concession stand windows on our way out. The police eventually used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Despite rumors of a bomb threat, it became clear that Ozzy’s absence was due to his condition. Tony Iommi later explained that Ozzy had lost his voice, but it seemed likely that drugs and alcohol played a significant role.
Ozzy and Black Sabbath later announced a makeup show, which we attended with free tickets. Ozzy’s voice still sounded rough, but the new sections of fence at the venue served as a reminder of the riot that had occurred.
