Sharon Osbourne Considers Reviving Ozzfest

Sharon Osbourne, renowned British TV personality and music manager, has shared exciting news regarding the potential return of Ozzfest, the legendary touring festival initially launched by her husband, Ozzy Osbourne.

Early Discussions with Live Nation

In a recent interview with Billboard, Sharon revealed that she has been in preliminary talks with Live Nation about reviving Ozzfest, possibly as early as 2027. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I’ve been talking to Live Nation about bringing [Ozzfest] back recently.” Sharon emphasized the festival’s original mission of providing a platform for emerging talent, noting that it was something Ozzy was deeply passionate about.

The Legacy of Ozzfest

Ozzfest debuted in 1996 and quickly became the archetype for modern heavy music festivals, touring across the U.S., Europe, and Japan almost every year until its last run in 2018. The festival showcased a diverse range of genres, including alternative metal, thrash, industrial, metalcore, death metal, and black metal, with Ozzy Osbourne—and often Black Sabbath—leading the charge.

Though discussions about a revival have circulated for years, including a digital-only version in 2022, Sharon’s recent comments indicate that plans may be moving forward, particularly as we enter a post-Ozzy era.

A New Vision for Ozzfest

Sharon hinted that any future iteration of Ozzfest would not merely replicate its past format. “I’d like to mix up the genres,” she said, indicating a desire for a broader musical scope than the festival’s historically metal-centric lineup.

Embracing Evolution in Music Festivals

This genre-blending approach mirrors the evolution of both festivals and heavy music since Ozzfest’s inception. Despite these changes, Sharon remains steadfast in the core mission of the festival: to break new bands. “It’s always great to have the baby stage,” she stated. “I mean, that’s what it’s all about—breaking new bands. That’s why we did it.”

Challenges of Revival

Sharon has openly acknowledged the financial challenges associated with reviving Ozzfest. “Yeah, sure. Of course,” she said, addressing the financial aspects directly. She expressed frustration over the perception that they possess unlimited resources, noting, “Why is it when it comes to us that everybody thinks that we are trillionaires?”

She further elaborated on the unsustainable nature of escalating artist fees, citing that “managers and agents wanted more and more,” ultimately leading to the festival’s cessation due to financial impracticality.

Additional Projects in the Works

In conjunction with the Ozzfest discussions, Sharon also disclosed plans for a classical reimagining of Black Sabbath’s catalog, set to be performed by local orchestras and paired with cutting-edge visuals. This project is yet another way Sharon is maintaining the legacy of her family’s contributions to music.

Conclusion

The possibility of reviving Ozzfest presents an exciting opportunity for both fans and aspiring artists. With Sharon Osbourne at the helm, there is potential for a new iteration that honors the festival’s roots while embracing the evolution of music. As discussions continue with Live Nation, fans eagerly await updates on what could be a monumental return of one of heavy metal’s most iconic festivals.

FAQs

What is Ozzfest?

Ozzfest is a music festival founded by Ozzy Osbourne that showcases various heavy music genres and provides a platform for emerging artists.

When was Ozzfest first launched?

Ozzfest was first launched in 1996 and ran nearly every year until 2018.

Who is Sharon Osbourne?

Sharon Osbourne is a British television personality and music manager, known for her work in the music industry and as the wife of Ozzy Osbourne.

What changes are expected in the revival of Ozzfest?

Sharon Osbourne has indicated that the revived festival may feature a mix of genres beyond its traditional metal focus, while still prioritizing the discovery of new talent.

What other projects is Sharon Osbourne working on?

In addition to discussions about Ozzfest, Sharon is also working on a classical reimagining of Black Sabbath’s catalog, to be performed by local orchestras.