Rock and Pop: Coming up... Ozzy Osbourne on bill for iTunes Festival in July
Published: 13 May 2010
by ROISIN GADELRAB
TIME was, Ozzy Osbourne was primarily associated with Black Sabbath, alter-ego The Prince of Darkness and his on and offstage antics.
But in these days of celebrity obsession, half his family have overtaken him. The media spotlight spends more time shining on wife Sharon’s celebrity judge stints, daughter Kelly’s weight-loss and son Jack’s latest daredevil stunt.
In turn, Ozzy’s become the Boris Johnson face of heavy metal – a harmless-looking amiable mumbling chap, with unkempt hair, a questionable past and oft-seen wobbling on two wheels.
But give the guy a break, he’s taking his limelight back and will be trying to be as convincing as possible as The Prince of Darkness at July’s month-long iTunes Festival at the Roundhouse.
The full 31-day line-up – featuring more than 60 acts – has not yet been announced but we do know Scissor Sisters, Tony Bennett, Faithless, The XX, Chew Lips, The Drums, Chipmunk, Darwin Deez, Ellie Goulding, Kate Nash, Diana Vickers and Daisy Dares You are all on the bill. Pick the right gig and you could inevitably find yourself witnessing one of those rare, historic sets that brings more than you bargained for. At last year’s festival Liam Gallagher made headlines at one of Oasis’s final performances when he strode on stage in a furious mood, eyeballing the crowd and swearing about students throwing beer at him. Even so, they played on for two hours, although at times it looked like Liam was about to go on strike.
The atmosphere between him and Noel was visibly tense, as big bro dismissed his sulky younger sibling and played on while Liam collected himself.
But the entire evening was electric and one that won’t easilybe forgotten.
The sets are usually quite short but who’s complaining when there’s the chance to see some huge acts up close for free.
That’s not to say you can just walk in. Apple is making tickets available through Facebook and a series of competitions and giveaways.
It will be the first time that Ozzy, Scissor Sisters and Tony Bennett have graced the Roundhouse stage.
All performances will be recorded and can be bought from iTunes stores worldwide. The best of the festival will be broadcast on ITV.
• Visit www.itunesfestival.co.uk