Countdown to Fort Rock

The countdown to Fort Rock has officially begun, and this year promises to be different from previous years, not just because the Fort has skipped coasts to relocate from the west coast to the east coast of Florida, but also because there is a mix of new and old.  New headliners like Ozzy and Zakk Wylde promise to captivate the audience just as much as the old tried and true like Godsmack.  Some might wonder how a lil girl like me can be so sure of this, but then again, I did tour the country on Ozzfest in 2002, and while some time has passed, Ozzy is always a good time...and usually involving some sort of water shenanigans.

It's true that Ozzy has been known for pulling tricks on people involving water, such as dumping water into someone's boots when they weren't looking, but I've had my own encounter with the fireman's hose on Ozzfest.  Hopefully, they don't break too many cameras this year with the soaking.  Most people would probably be thrilled to be drenched in the steaming Sunshine State, as this time of year only starts to get warmer and warmer, to the point of clothes soaking and clinging to the body.

Some people get torn trying to decide between Fort Rock and Welcome to Rockville - and that's because the only two big rock shows are always held at the same time.  Why?  I have no clue.

Many would love to do both shows, but it's hard to teleport to be in two places at once.  One of these years, maybe the promoters will realize that Floridians are used to driving and are willing to drive, but not this year.  So, pick your poison whether you want to head to Jacksonville or Sunrise, FL.

For those in Fort Myers, Fort Rock was a given.  Everyone expected the sold out shows to continue, but alas, now we have to cross Alligator Alley to try to rock out, as nobody replaced the rock void with any other show yet.  Still, we are willing to drive, as the lineup is as great as ever.

Each year only seems to get better, as there's a variety of performers coming together in one place each year that makes people feel as if they couldn't possibly miss out.  Now that Ozzfest no longer graces Florida with its presence, it's great that Ozzy and Zakk are at least willing to grace the Fort Rock stages.  Highlights from past Fort Rock years included a lil mishap with lights during Seether on stage that left their new guitar player a little shaken up, sexy backup dancers from many bands, the Jager girls whooping it up, over the top costumes, music so loud you could feel it in your chest, and so much sweat from audience members that the pit becomes more like a slimefest.

For those who might have missed it, here's a few pictures to review, but if you have the chance, the real thing is always better.  Mark the calendars for the last weekend of the month, because this new location is not to be missed.  South Florida needs to judge which Fort rocks harder at Fort Rock:  Fort Myers or Fort Lauderdale?

For more by Marisa, pick up the June edition of Bad Diesel Magazine, or visit www.lulu.com/spotlight/thorisaz.