Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne is set to be honoured at the second annual Sunset Strip music festival.
As far as rock ‘n’ roll dens of iniquity go, nowhere can hold a candle to Sunset Strip at its peak. The small stretch of land in Los Angeles has been a rock ‘n’ roll heartland for decades, with a new festival set to get the area rockin’ all over again.
Beginning in the 60s, Sunset Strip boasted a number of clubs including Whisky A Go Go. Garage icons Them once played a residency here – the support act being a then unknown combo called The Doors.
Since then, however, Sunset Strip has become a by-word for rock babylon. In the 80s the area was dominated by metal groups with the likes of Motley Crue and Hanoi Rocks springing from its fetid loins.
The area is most intricately associated with Guns N Roses. The rock icons ruled Sunset Strip as gods, honing their live craft and early material during long nights in Los Angeles. Debut album ‘Appetite For Destruction’ soon followed, and the band took their notoriety across the globe.
The second annual Sunset Strip festival will honour a man who has devoted his life to rock ‘n’ roll. As the frontman with Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osboure helped provide the blueprint for metal with the group’s detuned guitars and wailing vocals.
Osbourne will be recognised at a tribute event on September 10th, which kicks off the three day event. Organisers have expanded the festival this year, with Sunset Strip including an outdoor component for the time time.
Venues used in the three celebration of rock abandon include Cat Club, House of Blues, Key Club, The Roxy Theatre, Viper Room and the legendary Whisky A Go-Go.
Although the line up has yet to be confirmed, last year’s participants included the likes of Juliette Lewis & The Licks, Hot Hot Heat, Soul Asylum and Slash.
Sunset Strip Festival takes place between September 10th – 12th.