Is Ozzfest Making a Comeback? Sharon Osbourne Reveals Exciting Plans

Sharon Osbourne recently shared intriguing insights about the potential return of the legendary Ozzfest, a festival that played a significant role in shaping the heavy metal music scene. After its hiatus in 2018, fans are eager to hear whether this iconic event will return to the music landscape.

The Origins of Ozzfest

Ozzfest was born in 1996, initiated by Sharon Osbourne after unsuccessful attempts to get her husband, Ozzy Osbourne, booked for Lollapalooza. The festival quickly evolved into an annual tour, running for over two decades and showcasing a plethora of heavy metal talent before concluding in 2018.

Sharon Osbourne’s Recent Comments

In a recent interview with Billboard, Sharon hinted at the possibility of reviving Ozzfest, five months after Ozzy’s passing. She expressed her commitment to the festival, stating, “All of the creative direction for visuals at Ozzfest was mine. I can’t sing a note — I’m tone-deaf — but I can be creative and I like to create things.”

Sharon further elaborated, “I’ve been talking to Live Nation about bringing [Ozzfest] back recently… It was something Ozzy was very passionate about: giving young talent a stage in front of a lot of people. We really started metal festivals in this country.”

Future Plans for Ozzfest

While Sharon is enthusiastic about the revival of Ozzfest, she has additional projects in mind to honor Ozzy’s legacy first. These include a classical tour featuring local orchestras performing Black Sabbath’s music and a scripted film detailing Ozzy’s life story.

She emphasized the importance of resilience in their journey, saying, “They thought Ozzy and I would just end up in the toilet. It was really about getting up every day and showing everyone: Fuck you, this is what we’re going to do. I never took no for an answer.”

Potential Return Date and Festival Format

Sharon mentioned that Ozzfest could return as early as 2027. She aims to continue her mission of discovering new talent while diversifying the festival’s musical offerings beyond just heavy metal, seeking to “mix up the genres.” This revival could potentially see Ozzfest return as a full-scale touring festival, a format that hasn’t been utilized since 2007.

Why Did Ozzfest Conclude in 2018?

Reflecting on the festival’s end, Sharon revealed that rising costs were a significant factor. She noted on “The Osbournes” podcast, “It was a very weird beast because all the bands were our mates, but the managers were greedy… We made a profit. But it was not like — we couldn’t retire on it.”

The final Ozzfest took place as a single-day event on New Year’s Eve in 2018 at the Forum in Inglewood, California, featuring performances from notable artists such as Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, and Korn’s Jonathan Davis.

Conclusion

The possibility of Ozzfest returning is an exciting prospect for fans of heavy metal and rock music. With Sharon Osbourne’s dedication to honoring her husband’s legacy and her passion for discovering new talent, the revival of Ozzfest could not only celebrate the genre but also provide a platform for emerging artists.

FAQs

When did Ozzfest originally start?

Ozzfest began in 1996, organized by Sharon Osbourne after attempts to book Ozzy for Lollapalooza were unsuccessful.

Why did Ozzfest end in 2018?

The festival concluded due to rising costs and financial pressures faced by the organizers, despite generating some profit.

What new projects does Sharon Osbourne have in mind before Ozzfest returns?

Sharon plans to honor Ozzy with a classical tour featuring local orchestras and a scripted movie about his life before focusing on the revival of Ozzfest.

Could Ozzfest feature genres beyond heavy metal in its revival?

Yes, Sharon Osbourne expressed interest in mixing up musical genres in the revamped version of Ozzfest to broaden its appeal.