The final stop. Closing out the millennium with metal and winding up the last American appearance of "Black Sabbath" forever. The monumental importance of this tour was reflected in the completely sold-out Blockbuster Pavilion and the intensity of energy that can be generated by a 50,000+ plus nation of metal lovers. This year's lineup is arguably the best, and if the up-n-coming generation of new jack metal isn't enough juice, all bow to the godfathers of all that is heavy, "Black Sabbath" - the original line-up no less.

The Blockbuster Pavilion is nestled in the hills located just a bit North of San Bernadino. We were informed that there was a "Camp Ozzy" to camp at, but when we got there that morning at around 10:45 am, the camp was completely full. Luckily there was a small wayside type camping area that was actually a lot closer to the venue, so we scored a place to stay the night. We'd definitely need one if this OzzFest did to us what the previous ones had.

We were gathering ourselves and about to set out for the show when I heard the distant boom of music. Since it was only a little after 11:00, and the first scheduled band that I was aware of was to be "Slipknot" at 11:30, I figured they might have added some local bands or something.

As we got closer to the venue I caught the "Spit - it - out!" line from "Slipknot's" song of the same wording. What the hell is going on? I really wanted to catch these masked lunatics in the live setting but the powers that be, as we later learned, decided to switch the schedules around and everything started WAY earlier. That's bullshit. Fans paid good money for tickets to see certain bands and to pull last minute changes like that is essentially cheating people out of money. As we hit the parking lot I heard "Static-X" start their set. What the fuck?! That's another band I was totally hip on seeing today. They weren't supposed to play until like 12:45. By the time we got through navigating the first will call line, "Static-X" had finished their set. It was 11:35. Again, that's bullshit.

Since the OzzFest organizers can't get their act together, I'll tip you in on two really excellent bands. "Slipknot" hail from Des Moines, Iowa (???) and are intensely freaky. They have no names, only numbers (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) and wear bizarre self-made masks that are some unbalanced exaggeration of each band member's persona. Musically they are crushing, with liberal doses of surprisingly melodic ideals. For a generic comparison, think Slayer meets Korn with a DJ on the new jack metal mentality. Excellent CD. Buy it and scare people.

"Static-X" is another excellent band I'm sorry I missed. I've been watching their career since they got signed to Warner Bros (Feb. 98). Since then, I've seen them tour non-stop, gig with Fear Factory, land a song on the Bride of Chucky and Universal Soldier soundtracks ("Bled For Days" which got extensive play as a "single," even though it really wasn't) all before their album "Wisconsin Death Trip" was released this last March. And now they are touring on the OzzFest. With good reason. They rip hard on their self-described Trance-Core (simple heavy riffs, almost a club beat and liberal doses of an electronic element) - infectiously abrasive. I've seen them multiple times before, but was pissed I didn't get to cover this performance. I did bump into some guy that did see their set and said that "Static-X" and "Fear Factory's" sets were the day's best (this was before Sabbath played though). The guy said "Static-X" made a few comments about the schedule change, and I can see why they'd be pissed. This was their homecoming show, and final of the tour, and I guarantee a lot of "Static-X" fans didn't get to catch their set. Thanks for thinking of the fans OzzFest.

So, back to the show. Of course "Slipknot's" management had pulled their list from will call immediately after their way early set, and the "(hed)pe" camp failed to fulfill their obligation (publicists, when you call a magazine repeatedly and request somebody from the staff be sent to cover your band, do your job and ensure things are taken care of). No pictures today kids. You really didn't want to see any live images anyway did you?

After waiting in numerous lines to find out I was the loser going "No really, I'm supposed on the list," we gave up and just set out to have a good time. Through the confusion I managed to get my camera in, but from the grass, you can't really get close enough for any kind of pictures.

The first thing I noticed about the Blockbuster Pavilion was all the empty seats and the crowded grass area. I hate seating. The bands hate seating. Fans never get seating. Most of the seats are given to the labels for promotion and the radio stations get their fare share. If it was this empty now, I can imagine the first couple bands played mostly to empty seats.

"(Hed)pe" was setting up and I was supposed to do an interview with them at 12:00. All the schedules were mixed up so they were setting up around that time. I figured I'd give an interview possibility one more shot. Luckily I had one seating ticket (thanks Roadrunner) so I could get into the seating section. I ran down to the front and waived down a security guy. In my sincerest nice guy voice, I explained that I was supposed to interview the band at noon, but because of the schedule changes, I didn't know what was up and asked if he would mind directing a roadie or manager in my direction. I was expecting the typical "I could care less about your problems" type answer (as a rule, security hate press...scratch that, security hate everyone). But this guy was very cool and actually attempted to find someone for me. He said that the band was just about to play, but said if I wanted to stop by after their set, he'd check again.

"(hed)pe" started tearing into their set, so I scrambled back up to the grass to check them out. The sound was very washy for the first couple of songs, but cleared up a bit by the third. One of the first songs was "P.O.S.," and I could see "(hed)pe" were giving up 100%, even though there was little to feed off of crowd wise. The seats were pathetically empty but the grass was having a good time. It was still very early in the day, and with set times being bumped up, it wasn't surprising that "(hed)pe" continually berated what audience was there. They played their brand of self-described G-Punk (read "rap-core"), even though "(hed)pe" bassplayer Mawk will debate me on that one, and I saw lots of people mouthing out words and jumping around in their little groups to the "(hed)pe" jams. I couldn't see very well from the grass. From this distance, the stage, although visible, was difficult to focus on. I could barely tell who was who, but it's hard to miss the M.C.U.D dreads. I think the band gave up proper, but was kinda bitchy in attitude. When playing to such a new cross section of an audience, I think they'd do better to just smile big and play and focus more on the people who were there to support them. The lack of a crowd in the seats, and short set length, didn't help the "(hed)pe" atmosphere, but they are an excellent band. If you likes your raps with a complex, guitar heavy mix, "(hed)pe" will rock your party proper.

Toward the end of their set, I ventured back down to see if that security guy would hold true to his word and attempt at hooking me with the "(hed)pe" management. Total props go out to Blockbuster security because he actually saw me, nodded and tracked down the "(hed)pe" tour manager. She was very cool, ushered me backstage, and we cornered bassplayer Mawk (real name is Mark, but insert the "w" to mirror his UK accent). We chilled on their stylin' tour bus for a bit and DJ Product, the turn table arsonist, bopped in and out of the interview, with guitarist Wesstyle piping in for some of the last questions. Mawk was very friendly and I sincerely thank him for his post-set interview. Getting a band member settled down right after they play to do an interview is a lofty goal. Glad I had the kind in tow since that was goal no. 1 for Mawk, so the interview just kinda flowed out of that session.

After the interview I was about to leave the backstage area and then realized, since I was without press pass, I wouldn't make it back here again (and i was shocked I weaseled my way back to begin with), so I wandered around asking anyone who looked like they might know where the "Slipknot" tour bus was. I was supposed to interview them at 4:00 according to their management. I noticed an older lady looking completely out of place with her "Slipknot" T-shirt, and she was wearing a "Slipknot" pass, so in my most non-threatening presence I inquired if she knew where the "Slipknot" bus was. She seemed very confused and not quite sure what was going on, and I don't think she understood why I was looking for them or something. Rather than freak this lady out any longer, I just asked her to point in the direction of the bus. I got a tap on my shoulder and turned around to "You're looking for Slipknot? I'm in Slipknot." I immediately noticed a two inch scar running between his eyes. "You must be Shawn." I smiled. (As posted on the MTV News site, Shawn had bashed his head into his drumkit for the SECOND time this tour and again required stitches.)

I explained that I was supposed to interview them at 4:00, but since all my passes got flaked I wouldn't not be able to this later. He was about to get some dinner with his parents (it was his mother I was talking to previously), but wanted to do the interview. He was so cool to just drop everything and sit down with me for a few minutes. Sincerely, this was one of the coolest interviews I've ever had the pleasure conducting as far as the answers and the sincerity in which they were delivered.

I emerged from the backstage area to catch the "System Of A Down" set in full swing. Loud, loud, loud they were. Very tight today also. I've seen System a few times and they have let me down some with their live performances. Today I witnessed a very well-oiled System Of A Down," and a good chunk of the grass was giving full attention as some of the first true pits formed sporadically. They led the crowd through some "fuck the system" type rants, and turned out choice cuts from their self-titled debut. A solid performance, and I was told "(hed)pe" was to do some guest jams, but either I was navigating the crowd or just completely missed that part. The party gets pretty distracting in the grass.

The sun was starting to take it's toll this cloudless afternoon, so we ventured to the top of the hill to get some water. We noticed some sprinklers had been turned on in one section and people were frolicking under the welcome wet relief. We doused ourselves thoroughly and it was almost drug-like refreshing. I scored an icy glass of $3.00 water and my friend bought a beer for $7.00 (ouch!), and when served in those flimsy wax-paper cups in this heat, one was lucky to enjoy half before it turned into luke-warm piss.

"Godsmack" had the next slot. I really wasn't that jazzed to see them, but since "Primus" was up next, I didn't want to trek the gauntlet to the ill-chosen locale for the side stage. Personally, I think "Godsmack" are a weak third generation grunge rock type rip-offs that are being overly pushed by their label and radio. The live set did nothing to change my opinion. The bulk of this rapidly growing crowd would agree with me. "Godsmack" fans were there, but compared to the energy created by the previous bands I saw, "Godsmack" did less, with a whole lot more people present. The grass saw most people sitting down and just generally not caring a whole lot. There was technically nothing wrong with their set, and from what I could tell from others where I was standing, they represented what "Godsmack" does with integrity and passion. It's just that their music isn't very impressive and is very derivative. Personal opinion, take it for what it's worth.

We took off for the sprinkler treatment once again after hanging in the shade of a speaker tower for all of "Godsmack's" set. The ground was getting muddier by the second and occasional friendly mud fights would break out between different groups of sprinkler kids.

Thoroughly doused once again, we regrouped and primed for "Primus." What the hell "Primus" is doing on OzzFest, I don't know. Nor do I sweat the logistics, I'm just damn happy they were included. And the roar of the now crowded grass and half-filled seats as "Primus" took the stage affirmed my respect for the band. They stuffed their set with mostly older songs which pleased the now very enthusiastic crowd. "Jerry Was A Race Car Driver," "Too Many Puppies" and "Blue Collar Tweakers" were all stand-out versions. In the middle of one of the songs, "Primus" broke out into the first movement of Ozzy's "Crazy Train" before melding it back into the rest of the "Primus" song. They offered up one new song from a forthcoming album, and it was really good. Decidedly much heavier and stripped than the normal "Primus" bounce. I'm looking forward to hearing were Les Claypool and the boys take the already hard to compare "Primus" sound. Les was his usual self, with plenty of snappy stage patter. They closed with "Harold Of The Rocks," which was an unexpected, but energetic, closer. "Primus" was the gem of the day, hitting on such a skewed tangent when laid against the assault of metal offered by the rest of the day's bands.

Sporadic shouts of SLAYER! could be heard during the set change, just in case you weren't sure who was up next. At one time, "Slayer" was one of the most evil bands to ever walk so closely to the mainstream. Nowadays, they've shrugged off the heavy Satanic associations and just create lean thrashy Slayer-esque metal. They opened with "War Ensemble" which was rulin', but when there's a sea of seating between you and "Slayer," the idea of a "pit" isn't really feasible. Plus the sun was still up, and "Slayer" during the day is like Trick or Treating on a Sunday afternoon. We only got to catch their first three songs or so before we had to start the trek through crowded narrow walkways to the side stage that the organizers so thoughtfully put way around the backside of the main stage and concessions area. "Slayer" is cool and all, but there was no way we were going to miss even one "Fear Factory" song.

We made it to the side stage in time to catch the last part of the "Slayer" set being broadcast over the PA. They sounded like "Slayer." The "Fear Factory" stage had brain's attached to spinal cords (a la "Fear Factory's" "Obsolete" cover) mounted on each mike stand. The smallish side stage area was rapidly filling up, and I could tell this was one of the more anticipated bands of the day. The boys started off on a huge note, opening with the monstrous "Shock" off "Obsolete." Immediately, a friendly pit erupted in the middle, and the crowd was moving and swaying to most every large industrial crunched break. All of "Fear Factory" know how to use a stage, and Dino (guitarist) romped from side to side, while all the members seemed to catch the crowds attention many times.

Burton C. Bell (singer) was in form, both with his voice and energy, doing these little pull and jerks to accentuate all the heavier breaks. The set showcased mostly "Obsolete" material, with helpings from previous works. "Replica" got a big response, and their newly released cover of Gary Neuman's "Cars" saw the singer from "System Of A Down" assisting on verses and adding in a low growling howl into the choruses. They ended with "Decent," which is the closest thing to a radio song "Fear Factory" has, and it was beautiful. Burton's voice is so far ahead of the normal scope of heavy/thrashy/industrial bands it gives me chills (literally). He does a lot of the expected metal barking, but most songs are laced with liberal doses of his unique angelic baritoned howl that is just unmatched. And when they walked off after sailing smoothly through "Decent," with the lines that always echo in my head, "I feel...Nothing," the feeling of being blown away was genuine. The super tight and energetic set, combined with the fact you could actually see the band, made multiple people agree that the "Fear Factory" set was the coolest of the day. You can't fuck with "Black Sabbath." They are on a whole 'nother appreciation level, but for the new(er) school, "Fear Factory" was the pick of the day. Undoubtedly.

By the time we made it back to the main stage grass area, the "Deftones" were already well into their set. I'll say this, I think the "Deftones" are one of the raddest bands around. I'll also say they sucked massively today. Nothing was translating from the stage to the crowd whatsoever. The sound was washy, nothing in the way of stage patter, and a set list that was mostly their slower, "deep" numbers. Even "7 Words," which is normally a set highlight, felt weak. I hate to slag on a band I have such a high level of respect for, but they just weren't the "Deftones" I know and love. Watching the crowd and talking to friends later, I was not alone in my surprised dissatisfaction. It seems the general layout and washy sound of the Blockbuster Pavilion main stage, or maybe it was the fault of those running sound, I don't know, did little to create a link between the bands and the crowds - at least until Sabbath played. If the "Deftones" were tearing up the stage, I wouldn't know. Again, just the layout of this place made it hard to constantly focus on the bands way down there on the stage. I was just trying to soak up their vibe through the muddy sound and limp crowd response. "Deftones" were the let down of the day, unfortunately. It's probably not so much that they were that terrible, but I've seen them in god like form, and today was anything but.

As darkness started creeping in, the stage was transformed into the theatrical nightmare that is "Rob Zombie's" world. Not nearly as extravagant as his set from his recent stint as supporting act for Korn, but full of dark nightmarish imagery and lots of fire. There were video screens located as the backdrop on the stage and a couple more suspended off of lighting towers in the seating section, so for the first time today, the grass could tell the difference between a guitarist and bassplayer. The video screens welcomed the crowd by spelling out "Z-O-M-B-I-E" letter by letter then flashing a quick "we are going to eat you" message before looping through again. The crowd was very "Zombie" friendly, and hit the loudest decibels to be drawn from the now completely sold-out mass.

The set contained the expected singles of "Living Dead Girl" and "Dragula" (which if memory serves was their closer), but other "Zombie" goodies, like "Channel X," rocked well with two giant X's that would flame on and off in rhythm to the chanted "Channel X" chorus. Now that the sun had gone down, numerous small fires began to appear and people would form small swirling pits that danced around and through these blazes. Nothing like the Woodstock insanity as no effort was put forth to squash the friendly fires that were continually fueled by a never ending supply of the waxy cups they sell the beer and water in. Since water was only $3.00 here, I guess people weren't as inclined to riot, rape and loot the OzzFest grounds. But imagine if it were $4.00 water. Why then I guess we would have all the right in the world to destroy the entire place, right Woodstock idiots?

Not sure what song it happened during, but it was somewhere in the middle of the "Zombie" set that I was jamming around in my little space and I coughed twice, tried to swallow and couldn't, and then panic set it. For about 5 seconds I was sure the years of abuse I've subjected my body to, and especially today's indulgences, was catching up with me. But then I noticed like three other people in front of me, all coughing. My eyes started to burn as my friend Marc grabbed my shoulder and shouted "Dude, that's teargas! Let's get the fuck outta here!" As I turned around I noticed waves of people running past me with their shirts pulled up over their mouths. I looked over to the right about 20 yards and saw the cloud of white as it dissipated over the crowd. A large group of security were clearing out the epicenter of this cloud. Apparently there was a fight or something and they needed to gas a couple thousand innocent people to get things under control. Not entirely sure what happened. What I am sure of is that teargas sucks. It makes you cough, messes with your ability to swallow, makes your eyes water and leaves your lips stinging for many minutes afterwards. And I only got a little dose. The whole scene only lasted about a minute or so, but it was pretty intense. I'm glad it didn't stop the show one beat. So, after the gas cleared out, we restaked out a place in the grass and got back into the "Zombie" set.

The unexpected coolness came in the form of the "White Zombie" classic "1965," that had very special guest guitarist Kerry King of "Slayer." It rocked the entire place. "Zombie" was better than I expected, and it was a fun set-up to the monumental event we knew was to follow.

The fact that this was the last time any of us would ever see "THE Black Sabbath" again weighed heavily into our anticipation. "Black Sabbath" is such an undeniable influence on all that even remotely claims the rights to being "heavy," EVERY band on this bill, as well as any band that has guitars that go louder than 5, must (and will most readily) pay their respects to Sabbath. They ALL sat around as fucked up teenage youth, smoking pot and listening to "Ozzy/Sabbath." Innumerable guitarists will admit to "Iron Man" being one of the first riffs they annoyed friends with. This is history people. The end of an institution. (Hold on, gotta wipe that tear from my eye). 20 years from now, people are going to be damn proud they were here to witness the finest set I've ever seen from any "Ozzy/Sabbath" lineup.

The set was composed mostly of the expected and a couple of surprises. They opened with "War Pigs" that turned into a giant sing-a-long. "Sweat Leaf" was pristine. "Iron Man" can still illicit legions of air guitarists jamming in unison. Even the inane stage patter of "C'mon I want to see you go crazy" and "Let's see your fucking hands" was kept to a minimum. The dark and creepy self-titled "Black Sabbath" saw a sea of literally thousands of lighters. I've seen "Ozzy" in various incarnations, and I saw the semi-complete version of "Black Sabbath" that toured with the '97 OzzFest. Put together they did not equal the tightness and just overall perfection of tonight's set. It really does take all four original members to fit every break together, to make it sound so...Sabbath. Bill Ward was the most notable difference between previous Sabbath like performances I've witnessed and tonight's flawlessness. The drum fills and breaks were all just so...there. Indescribable.

"Children of the Grave" was spirited and unexpected. They even played a really old song, which title I can't recall, but has the line "Would you like to see the pope on the end of a rope - do you think he's a fool?" and that song brought back too many stoney high school memories. The whole set rocked. Plain and simple. They of course closed with one of the most famous Sabbath songs ever, "Paranoid," and the crowd went nutz the whole way. When the four members came out for a final bow, the screams were deafening and I got chills realizing that this was it. No more Sabbath. Ever. Ozzy will probably pull a Garcia and tour until he drops, but I don't think there will ever be another full-blown, all original member Sabbath tour. Just ain't gonna happen. I feel truly honored that I witnessed this show, and for it to be as perfectly executed as tonight's set was, even more humbled before the might of "Black Sabbath." Thanks for all the years of music, "Black Sabbath." From a fan.

There was a good ten minutes of decent fireworks blown off over the top of the stage which just plastered more permanent smiles on the Sabbath dazzled crowd. Nice touch.

I'm not sure what the fate of the OzzFest will be now that "Black Sabbath" is done. If Ozzy puts out another album or something, I'd assume it's year after year increasing success would lend to the tour once again bringing the loud to the kids of America. The fact that this tour continually sold out venues when the lineup consisted mostly of bands, with little or no radio/MTV support, proves that metal is alive and strong and producing new and innovative artists within the heavy genre.

Even if Ozzy himself doesn't tour, I hope his camp will keep the OzzFest going as a tribute to the man and the ideals that made this the best summer package tour of all. If you crank it...they will come.