Sharon Osbourne has revealed that she’s in early talks to bring back Ozzfest, the iconic hard rock and metal festival she co-founded with her late husband Ozzy Osbourne, and it could happen as soon as 2027. The longtime music manager and television personality shared the update in a recent interview with Billboard, emphasizing her desire to honor Ozzy’s original vision while evolving the event for a new generation.
Ozzfest began in 1996 after Ozzy and Sharon were denied a slot on Lollapalooza, and quickly grew into a major touring festival that showcased both established acts and up-and-coming talent. Over the years, the event became a rite of passage in the metal scene, helping launch bands who would go on to become household names. It ran annually in various forms until 2018, with its final standalone edition taking place on New Year’s Eve in Inglewood, California.
According to Osbourne, she has been “talking to Live Nation” about reviving the festival with a broader, more inclusive approach. While the event originally focused strictly on rock and metal, she hinted that a reboot could feature a wider mix of genres, reflecting how fans listen to music today rather than sticking exclusively to its roots. “It was something Ozzy was very passionate about: giving young talent a stage in front of a lot of people,” she said, describing the original Ozzfest as “like summer camp for kids.”
Sharon also stressed that the new version would aim to recapture what made the festival special in its heyday — a platform for emerging acts alongside major headliners — while honoring Ozzy’s legacy. In addition to the Ozzfest discussions, she is involved in other projects celebrating Black Sabbath’s music, including plans for an orchestral tour featuring local orchestras performing Sabbath’s catalog with state-of-the-art visuals.
Though nothing has been officially confirmed yet, the possibility of Ozzfest’s return in 2027 has sparked excitement among fans who remember its impact and reach. If realized, the revival could once again turn the festival into a major destination for new talent and established artists alike, echoing the spirit of heavy music’s grassroots beginnings while introducing fresh sounds to a broader audience.
