OZZY OSBOURNE 12-Story Sunset Strip Art Wall Unveiled

The Sunset Strip Music Festival — taking place September 10-12 — will honor the larger-than-life rock icon Ozzy Osbourne as its "Sunset Strip Icon 2009." The tribute actually began on Thursday, August 20 when Osbourne’s immortal image was unveiled on one of the largest billboards in Los Angeles (see photo below). It hangs high above the Sunset Strip spanning 12-stories (6,500 square feet tall) off the east side of the famous 9000 building directly across the street from the Roxy Theatre and Rainbow Bar & Grill. The new signage is lit at night, allowing for its viewing from miles away.

Next, on Thursday, September 10, Osbourne will be honored at a tribute event to kick off the three-day music festival. The tribute event honors icons that have made an impact on the legacy of the Sunset Strip. On Osbourne's first U.S. tour with BLACK SABBATH in 1970, the band performed a five-night stand (November 11-15) at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go.

CAMP FREDDY — the all-star cover group consisting of Billy Morrison, Matt Sorum, Chris Chaney, Dave Navarro and Donavan Leitch — will perform in honor of Ozzy Osbourne at the festival launch tribute event September 10 at House of Blues. Also scheduled to appear at the Sunset Strip Music Festival are KORN, CHRIS CORNELL, multi-platinum hip-hop artist B REAL, PEPPER, KOTTONMOUTH KINGS, SHWAYZE, LMFAO, SHINY TOY GUNS, UNWRITTEN LAW, THE DONNAS, FISHBONE, IGLU & HARTLY, THE RINGERS, THE PRICKS, NICO STAI and THENEWNO2.

"This expansive wall not only celebrates our honoree, Ozzy Osbourne, it also serves to welcome everyone to the Sunset Strip and is certain to be a very photographed component of this year's music festival," noted Todd Steadman, executive director of the Sunset Strip Music Festival.

The second annual Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF) also includes the first-ever street closure of Sunset Blvd on Saturday, September 12. There will be 40-plus music acts throughout the day performing on two stages set up on the street and on club stages within the street closure — Key Club, The Roxy Theatre, Cat Club and Whisky A Go-Go. Tickets are available now for a discounted price of $39.50.