Mudvayne, who are currently on the Pledge Of Allegiance Tour, have been tapped to join the crew, although they won’t be starting on the first date due to Pledge obligations. Soil also join in on the merriment, but only through December 4. Another band will then fill in the remaining dates.

This will be Ozzy’s first solo tour outside of Ozzfest since 1996. During that time, he’s spent every summer dutifully playing to the sweaty masses with his old band, Black Sabbath.

Despite his constant presence in the touring field, Ozzy hasn’t released any new material for six years. So, it’s fitting that along with his new tour he has a new album. Down To Earth is set to hit the shelves October 16.

Rob Zombie has been stage shy recently, having steered away from the big lights since 1999’s Ozzfest. Although he has been absent from the stage, Zombie has been far from lazy. He’s worked on a new album, The Sinister Urge, which is due for release in November, as well as written and produced a horror film. The flick, House Of 1000 Corpses, was set to be released by Universal Pictures, but they have since backed out. No word yet on when the movie will make it to theatres.

A Night Of Merry Mayhem was originally titled the Black Christmas tour, but Ozzy changed the name in light of the September 11 events.

Osbourne is also donating proceeds from specially produced Ozz Bless America merchandise, as well as tickets and merchandise from both Ozzy and Rob’s shows at the New Jersey stop to the families of police officers and firefighters affected by the tragedy.