There's a first time for everything, and after nine years and five albums, Korn are about to cross Ozzfest off their "to do" list.

The nü-metal pioneers will share the main stage on Ozzfest 2003 along with festival veterans Marilyn Manson and Disturbed. Ozzy Osbourne will customarily close the show, backed by the band with which he recorded 2001's Down to Earth: guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Robert Trujillo and drummer Michael Bordin.

"We think we compiled an amazing lineup," Sharon Osbourne, the tour's infamous organizer, said at a press conference Tuesday (February 18). "We really feel the main stage is full of the elite of our world, of hard rock. Everybody is an amazing performer, and that's what it's all about."

Returning to the roving metal circus from last year's spot on the second stage, Chevelle, who've earned their place with the big boys thanks to a solid fanbase that expanded exponentially with the radio explosion of "The Red" (see [article id="1459767"]"Chevelle Rev High With New Single, Tour"[/article]), will break the ice on the main stage each evening at 5 p.m.

Filling out the roster on this year's second stage, Ozzfest's equivalent to baseball's minor leagues, will be Cradle of Filth, making their first appearance with a touring U.S. rock festival, along with Trust Company, Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage, Nothingface, Hotwire, Grade 8, Twisted Method, Unloco and Memento. Additional bands are expected to be announced later.

In its eighth year, Ozzfest promises 14 hours of music on multiple stages. And in 2003, organizers are giving fans even more: a break. An undisclosed number of lawn seats will be made available at venue box offices and select other locations for $10, a considerable discount compared to what can sometimes amount to a $75 ticket. Check venue Web sites for more information. All tickets are expected to go on sale next month.

As has also been the case in years past, the vendor-riddled Village of the Damned will return, filled with makeshift parlors so fans can get inked, pierced and painted in between sessions of shopping for that perfect tour shirt.

Last year's Ozzfest featured System of a Down, Rob Zombie, P.O.D. and Drowning Pool, who withdrew from the tour upon the death of frontman Dave Williams (see [article id="1457028"]"Drowning Pool Singer Found Dead"[/article]).

Ozzfest 2003 dates, according to a spokesperson for the tour:

If you've only got enough dinero to attend one big concert tour this summer, now that you know the lineups, which one is your must-see show? Take our poll.