Updated

The heavy metal concert festival that has showcased bands since 1996 will be free this year, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne said Tuesday.

Ozzy's wife said ticket prices have climbed for the last few years, and she wants fans to be able to afford Ozzfest. She said fans don't want to pay for overpriced CD's anymore, and the same goes for live music.

Fans will still have to get tickets, which they will get through links at www.Ozzfest.com or www.LiveNation.com that will take them to sponsor sites.

The sponsors will underwrite the cost of Ozzfest.

Ozzy Osbourne will be the headliner. The rest of the lineup has not yet been announced. The festival will begin July 7 in Los Angeles, and the dates for other cities will be announced later.