Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne have found the first few acts willing to perform for free at this year's Ozzfest [ tickets ]: Lamb of God [ tickets ], Hatebreed [ tickets ] and cutting-edge Finnish band Lordi [ tickets ].

In February, it was announced that tickets to this summer's 12th annual hard-rock extravaganza will be free. A press release said the move "redefines a concert industry marred by rising ticket prices."

The 24-city US trek kicks off July 12 in Redmond, WA, and hits cities from coast to coast through August. Dates are listed below.

Lamb of God and Lordi will perform on the main stage with Ozzy, while Hatebreed will headline the festival's second stage, which will also host Mondo Generator, Ankla, Circus Diablo, Nile and The Showdown. More artists will be announced in the coming weeks, according to a press release.

Ozzy is returning to the headlining position this year after surprising fans in 2006 with a handful of second-stage performances. The Prince of Darkness is expected to unveil music from his forthcoming studio album, which will be his first new set of material since 2001. A release date has not been set.

Free tickets for Ozzfest will be available beginning June 12. Fans must go to the Ozzfest website or tour producer Live Nation's site to find sponsor links through which tickets can be downloaded.