Sharon Osbourne is honoring the legacy of her late husband, heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, by reviving Ozzfest, the legendary music festival that helped define a generation of rock and metal fans.
Six months after Ozzy’s passing in July 2025, the Osbournes matriarch shared her plans for bringing the beloved festival back — and longtime fans are already buzzing with excitement.
It Could Be Back By 2027
Sharon, 73, told Billboard in January of this year that she’s been working with Live Nation to bring the festival back as early as 2027 — with a vision that stays true to Ozzy’s original passion for music and community.
“It was something Ozzy was very passionate about: giving young talent a stage in front of a lot of people,” she said. “We really started metal festivals in this country.”
Rather than simply recreating a nostalgic repeat of past lineups, Sharon says she wants the new Ozzfest to evolve and possibly blend genres so it can appeal to both veteran fans and new audiences.
Her goal is to feature a mix of legendary performers alongside emerging artists — much in the way Ozzfest did in its heyday, when it was affectionately described by many as “like summer camp for kids” because of the sense of shared excitement and community it fostered.
Sharon Has Something Else in the Works
In addition to the festival relaunch, Sharon is planning other creative tributes to Ozzy and his legacy, including a Black Sabbath orchestral tour that will pair the band’s iconic songs with visual storytelling, and a biographical film that explores portions of his life and influence on rock music.
Ozzfest originally launched in 1996 and quickly became a cornerstone of the metal scene, giving both established acts and emerging talent a platform to perform before dedicated audiences.
The festival became known for bold lineups that included big names like Metallica, Slipknot, Tool, Pantera and many others, alongside rising stars whose careers took off after playing its stages.
For many metal fans, the news comes as a welcome sign of continuity and celebration after a difficult year.
Ozzy Passed on July 2025
Ozzy — frontman of Black Sabbath and one of rock’s most distinctive voices — died at age 76 in July 2025, just weeks after a massive farewell concert that united several rock and metal legends onstage in Birmingham, England.
Sharon’s announcement reflects not only her determination to preserve Ozzy’s memory but also her belief in the enduring power of music to bring fans together.
Fans have responded with enthusiasm online, expressing excitement about the festival’s potential return and gratitude for Sharon’s dedication to keeping Ozzy’s spirit alive.
The planned Ozzfest revival is shaping up to be not just another tour, but a lively tribute to a man whose influence on rock and metal is unmatched — a reminder that the music and the memories live on.
