BY JOSE MARTINEZ

Now in its second year, the Sunset Strip Music Festival has grown by leaps and bounds. Last year, the festival took over most of the clubs on The Strip, where legends like The Doors first broke, and honored Strip vanguards Lou Adler (owner of the Roxy), Mario Maglieri (Whisky, Roxy, and the Rainbow Bar & Grill) and Elmer Valentine (Whisky, Roxy), but this year they shut down The Strip entirely on Saturday (from San Vicente to Doheny, or from the Whisky to the Rainbow for you out-of-towners) and had a huge street party with Korn, and Ozzy Ozbourne headlining.

The festivities kicked off last Thursday night as the SSMF honored Ozzy as an icon who has made a special impact on the legacy of the Sunset Strip. Which led me to ask, Ozzy, really? Sure he's Ozzy frickin' Ozbourne and worth honoring but a Strip legend? Locals like Van Halen, Motley Crue, Guns N' Roses, and Jane's Addiction come to mind first, but I guess they wanted to go big and Ozzy does that easily.

Guests on hand to honor Ozzy included Master of Ceremonies Billy Morrison (again, really?), as well as past and present bandmates including close friend Bill Ward of Black Sabbath, along with Gabriel Byrne, David Spade, Michael Des Barres, The Donnas, and System of a Down's John Dolmayan. 

Guests speaking in honor of Ozzy included comedian Jim Norton, Henry Rollins, Tommy Lee, Slash, and Billy Bob Thornton. Jimmy Kimmel and Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister praised Ozzy via video for his tremendous contributions as a member of Black Sabbath and solo artist, as well as a friend, husband and father. Many people made sure to thank Sharon Osbourne who is responsible for creating Ozzfest which helped a lot of bands take off.

Everyone shared amusing anecdotes about the madman of rock & roll; Tommy Lee even dared Ozzy to relive old, crazy times by drinking a glass of Nikki Sixx's urine (which he had in hand) and snort a line of ants. But perhaps Billy Bob Thornton said it best with his quip: "Who said the Prince of Darkness can't be a nice guy?" 

The ceremony concluded with Ozzy being presented with the Elmer Valentine Award from Lou Adler, founder of The Roxy. Much to his credit, Ozzy received his award graciously and just wanted to get out of Dodge, but not before delivering his usual line, "I love you all."

The evening wrapped up with a set from local all-star band Camp Freddy and their special guests. Missing from the jam band were members Matt Sorum and Dave Navarro, but famed drummer Kenny Aronoff filled in admirably, as did guitarists Steve Stevens and Steve Jones. Other onstage guests included Donovan Leitch, Mark McGrath, Corey Taylor, John5 and Frankie Perez performing songs that encompassed Ozzy's solo career ("Crazy Train") and Black Sabbath ("Iron Man"). 

Over the remainder of the weekend more than 40 bands took to The Strip's six signature music venues, including KISS legend Ace Frehely at the Viper Room celebrating the release of his first solo album in 20 years this week. "I think it's a great idea that they're having this festival," the guitarist declared. "I'm glad to be a part of it. It's a good place for people to come and get together and hear different styles of music and have fun."

And for the first time ever, The Strip was closed on Saturday as two outdoor concert stages where erected on the street as 10 acts, ranging from The Donnas, Pepper, Unwritten Law, Fishbone, as well as Korn, and Ozzy performed.

(Korn)

I had predicted a riot during Korn's set but that didn't happen. Instead, just a packed group of fans collectively got off. Not being able to see much, I ventured into the Roxy and caught a stellar performance from Nico Vega where singer Aja Volkman mesmerized the packed club seeking refuge from the neu-metal sounds outside.

(Nico Vega)

But the night clearly belonged to Ozzy. The man of the weekend, his set saw the streets of Sunset Blvd spilling over with rock fans. And Ozzy's 9-song, hour-long set did not disappoint. Charismatic and sincerely having the time of his life, Ozzy tore through classics like "I Don't Know," "Suicide Solution," "Bark At The Moon," "War Pigs," "Crazy Train," "Iron Man," and "Mr. Crowley." Why "I Don't Want To Change The World" and set closer "I Don't Wanna Stop" made the cut is beyond me. But, again, this is Ozzy, so let him do whatever he wants.

(Ozzy)

With the streets of West Hollywood's Sunset Boulevard full and the aroma of street vendors selling every type of food imaginable, and fans lining up to get into every club, it was a great night in L.A. where too often we can get jaded and check out only our favorite acts. It's refreshing to remember all the no-name bands that first started on The Strip that eventually became our fave bands. This is where it most often always begins in this town and for three nights The Strip ruled once again.

[Photos by Jose Martinez]