Sharon Osbourne Considers Reviving Ozzfest

Early Discussions with Live Nation

In a recent interview with Billboard, Sharon Osbourne, the notable British TV personality and music manager, shared her thoughts on potentially bringing back the iconic Ozzfest. She revealed that discussions with Live Nation are underway regarding a revival that could take place as early as 2027.

A Passion Project for Ozzy Osbourne

Sharon emphasized that Ozzfest was a project close to her late husband Ozzy Osbourne‘s heart. “Ozzy was very passionate about giving young talent a stage in front of a lot of people,” she explained. “We really started metal festivals in this country. While others have tried to replicate it, they never captured the spirit of what ours was, which was a place for new talent. It was like summer camp for kids.”

The Legacy of Ozzfest

First launched in 1996, Ozzfest has been a pivotal platform for heavy music, touring across the U.S., Europe, and Japan almost annually until 2018. The festival showcased a diverse range of genres from alternative metal to death metal, consistently featuring Ozzy Osbourne and often Black Sabbath at its core.

Potential for a New Direction

While the idea of reviving Ozzfest has been discussed in the past, Sharon’s latest comments suggest a more concrete plan could be in the works, particularly in light of a post-Ozzy era. She hinted that any new version of Ozzfest would not merely mimic its predecessor. “I’d like to mix up the genres,” she noted, indicating a desire for a broader musical palette beyond Ozzfest’s traditional heavy metal focus.

The Importance of Supporting New Talent

Sharon remains committed to the festival’s original mission: promoting new bands. “It’s always great to have the baby stage,” she stated. “Breaking new bands is what it’s all about.” She elaborated on this in a 2024 episode of The Osbournes podcast, highlighting the challenges new acts face when performing on large stages. “For unknown acts, being in front of 50,000 people is intimidating. Starting on a smaller stage allows them to grow,” she said.

Financial Considerations

Reviving Ozzfest is not without its challenges, particularly financial ones. Sharon openly discussed the pressures of artist fees and the sustainability of the festival. “Managers and agents wanted more and more,” she reflected. “It just wasn’t cost-effective anymore, which is why we stopped.” Despite this, she remains hopeful about the festival’s future.

Future Projects

In addition to the potential revival of Ozzfest, Sharon has plans to collaborate with Live Nation on a classical reinterpretation of Black Sabbath‘s music, which will be performed by local orchestras and accompanied by modern visuals. This innovative approach could merge the band’s iconic sound with a fresh artistic perspective.

Conclusion

Sharon Osbourne’s ambition to revive Ozzfest reflects her commitment to fostering new talent and her late husband’s legacy in the heavy music scene. As discussions progress with Live Nation, fans eagerly await the possibility of a revitalized festival that embraces both its roots and a new, genre-blending future.

FAQs

What is Ozzfest?

Ozzfest is a music festival founded by Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne, which primarily focuses on heavy metal and hard rock genres. It has served as a platform for both established and emerging artists since its inception in 1996.

When was the last Ozzfest held?

The last Ozzfest took place in 2018, marking the end of its nearly annual tours since the festival began.

Will the revival of Ozzfest feature only metal bands?

Sharon Osbourne has indicated that the revival may include a mix of genres beyond just metal, aiming for a broader musical scope in the lineup.

What is the role of Live Nation in the revival of Ozzfest?

Live Nation is a live entertainment company with whom Sharon Osbourne is in discussions about bringing Ozzfest back, potentially providing the resources and support needed to make it happen.

What are the financial challenges associated with reviving Ozzfest?

Sharon has expressed concerns about rising artist fees and the sustainability of the festival’s financial model, which were significant factors in its previous hiatus.