The Top 7 Things To Do Instead Of Whinging About Ozzy’s Download Departure

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Paul 'Browny' Brown

Ah, Music Festival lineup changes. They happen. Sometimes small, sometimes BIG. But sometimes they’re completely out of everyone’s control, just like the current situation involving Download Festival Australia which yesterday saw headliner Ozzy Osbourne have to cancel his appearance due to a health scare which resulted in doctors ordering him to rest at home for up to six weeks.

Which is totally understandable. I mean you can’t help sickness right? And for those not in the know, pneumonia can actually be fatal for the elderly and with Ozzy being the ripe old age of 70 years old, he kinda needs to sit this one out and we have to be understanding of it. Unfortunately, the sense of entitlement is strong in the comment sections of the Download Fest Social Media pages and despite the news, people still like to jump on the keyboards and have a cry, so, we’re counting down the Top 7 Things To Do Instead Of Whinging About Ozzy’s Download Departure…

#7 – Don’t Abuse Download Festival’s Social Media Team

Seems like an easy one right? All you have to do is keep your opinion to yourself and shut up. There’s someone whose job it is right now to manage those pages/sites and you know what they’re going to be doing? Looking at all of the abuse coming their way. It wasn’t their fault, they don’t need it, so, you know, shut the fuck up? Please.

#6 – Listen to Airbourne

Just to be clear, Airbourne are NOT replacing Ozzy, but they have been added to the festival’s 2019 lineup earlier in the day for your enjoyment and guess what? They’re Aussies! So, take a listen to their back catalogues, watch some videos and maybe go check them out on the day if you haven’t seen them before. Or, if they’re not your thing, go grab a drink and some food instead.

#5 – Send Ozzy a ‘Get Well Soon’ Message

We know what it’s like to get sick. It sucks. Especially man-flu. Urghh. But what’s good is knowing you have people thinking of you during such a difficult time. Especially older people. Remember when your grandparents were sick? They used to love hearing from you when you were kids. It’d brighten their day. Now, I’m not saying we’re all Ozzy’s kids (or, umm grandkids) but in a way, we’re part of his special metal family so get a nice message sent to his Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts. I’m sure his social media team will pass on the love and support.

#4 – Buy A Ticket to Download Festival

Ozzy and co. were just one band on a lineup of legends like Slayer, Judas Priest, Anthrax and Alice In Chains. There were also plenty of newer (and heavier) bands to check out like Ghost, Behemoth, Devilskin, Justice For The Damned, Fever 333, Halestorm, Pennywise, New Years Day, Polaris, Alien Weaponry, High Tension, Voyager, Code Orange and shitloads more. Tell me a place where you can see all of those bands for less than what you’d pay for a Download ticket and I’ll tell you that you’re a liar. There’s still plenty left sooooo support the live music (and festival) scene which needs your help and support now more than ever.

#3 – Get Your Merch Voucher as Compensation

Yep, Download Festival organisers have announced they’ll be handing out $45 vouchers for 24hundred as compensation now that Ozzy has cancelled. That’s pretty much a free shirt! The deal is available for those who already purchased a ticket prior to midday on Monday 18 February, 2019. If that’s you, this deal will come into effect from 9am AEDT Monday 4 March 2019. Ticket holders must enter their ticket number to redeem the voucher. This voucher is only redeemable online and cannot be redeemed at the event. Voucher is valid for the full Official Event Merchandise range. Head here for more…

📷: Mick Goddard (Mick Goddard)

#2 – SLAYERRRRRRRRR

That is all.

and most importantly…

#1 – Don’t Get A Refund

Ok, hear me out here first. I know some people were heading along just to see Ozzy Osbourne‘s final shows but you know who else is having their own farewell shows too? Slayer. And you know who else is playing EXCLUSIVELY at the festivals? JUDAS PRIEST, RISE AGAINST, THE AMITY AFFLICTION, SUM 41, PENNYWISE, HALESTORM, NEW YEARS DAY not to mention a plethora of bands from all different genres and locations (both here and internationally) who all NEED your support.

There are issues with the live music scene in Australia (more notably NSW) and we, as members of the heavy music loving community, need to band together to support what we have right here in front of us. Sure, we lost a headliner, but you know what that means now? Slayer and Judas Priest get bumped up to play a little later in the day. Airbourne have been added to the lineup too. There is literally something for every single taste and the best part, it’s all in one handy location too. We live for this. The experience. The day out. The memories. It all plays a huge part and it can only happen with your support. So keep your ticket, save your coins and get ready to rock the fuck out in a couple of week’s time.