LOS ANGELES — It's the most startling news to hit the heavy-metal circuit since Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off a bat.

The wizard of the Ozzfest is going back on the road this summer, and this time the tickets to his 25-city tour will be free.

"It's our 12th year, and we wanted to shake it up a bit and do something different," Osbourne's wife, Sharon, told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Ticket prices for Ozzfest, which have ranged from $35 to $150, were beginning to rise beyond the reach of the rocker's loyal fans, his wife said, and he didn't want that to happen.

"It's not saying that I'm now Mother Teresa or that Ozzy is a saint, but you know what? He's been doing this a long time, and his audience has been really good to him," Sharon Osbourne said. "So if he goes out one summer of his life and he doesn't get paid, big deal."

Osbourne has been wooing corporate sponsors to cover the cost of the tour. So far, his wife said, six have signed up.

The tour kicks off July 7 in Los Angeles, with stops planned in San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Dallas, New York, St. Louis and several other cities. A final list of dates and stops is still in the works.

Organizers haven't revealed yet who will be joining Osbourne on stage, but his wife said she hopes it will include numerous special guests who will drop in for one or two shows.

Over the years, Ozzfest has showcased a number of up-and-coming bands, including Linkin Park, Incubus and System of a Down.

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On the Web: ozzfest.com