The legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and the festival that bears his name is set to continue. Sharon Osbourne, music manager and widow of the late rock icon, has revealed further details regarding the planned return of Ozzfest in 2027, confirming the festival will launch in Ozzy’s hometown of Birmingham, England, before heading to the United States. The news offers a poignant continuation of Ozzy’s vision for a platform supporting emerging talent in the hard rock and metal scenes, a concept central to the festival’s original spirit.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Osbournes Podcast, Sharon Osbourne outlined the initial plans for the festival’s comeback. “We seek to do two days in Aston Villa and then come to America,” she said, adding a direct appeal to potential attendees: “We want to hear from everyone where we should go in America.” The location, Aston Villa, refers to the Aston area of Birmingham, where Ozzy Osbourne grew up. This choice underscores a deliberate effort to honor the musician’s roots and provide a fitting tribute to his life and career.
Sharon Osbourne attends the 68th GRAMMY Awards on February 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Osbourne also expressed her hope that Ozzfest will evolve into a full-fledged touring festival by 2028, signaling a long-term commitment to reviving the event. This ambition builds on the festival’s history, which began in 1996 and quickly became a cornerstone of the hard rock and metal landscape. Ozzfest played a crucial role in launching the careers of numerous bands, including Linkin Park, Slipknot, and Deftones, providing a platform for emerging artists to reach a wider audience.
A Festival’s History and Ozzy’s Vision
The last iteration of Ozzfest was held on Modern Year’s Eve in 2018 in Los Angeles. That event marked Ozzy Osbourne’s final full-length live performance before his health challenges became more pronounced. He later appeared at the 2025 “Back to the Beginning” concert in Birmingham with the reunited Black Sabbath, a bittersweet farewell to fans. Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, according to reports.
Sharon Osbourne has consistently emphasized her husband’s dedication to supporting new musical talent. She previously told Blabbermouth.net that Ozzfest was “a place for new talent” and “like summer camp for kids.” She also recalled conversations with Ozzy, where he questioned whether the festival could succeed without his direct involvement. “I’m, like, ‘Yeah, it’s a brand. It will operate without you,’” she recounted, highlighting her belief in the enduring appeal of the Ozzfest name and concept.
Beyond the Music: A Lasting Tribute
The revival of Ozzfest isn’t the only tribute planned in honor of Ozzy Osbourne. During a panel at the 2026 MIDEM conference in France, Sharon Osbourne teased that a statue of Ozzy will be unveiled at Hellfest, a prominent French heavy metal festival. This follows Hellfest’s previous unveiling of a statue dedicated to Lemmy Kilmister, the late frontman of Motörhead and a close friend of Ozzy Osbourne. The statue serves as a physical manifestation of Ozzy’s influence and lasting legacy within the metal community.
Sharon Osbourne has been actively discussing the festival’s return with Live Nation, according to a report from Rolling Stone Australia. She envisions a potential expansion of genres within the festival, whereas still maintaining its core focus on hard rock and metal. This suggests a willingness to evolve the Ozzfest experience while staying true to its foundational principles.
The return of Ozzfest represents more than just a music festival; it’s a continuation of a legacy built on a passion for music and a commitment to supporting emerging artists. The planned launch in Birmingham, coupled with the statue at Hellfest, underscores the enduring impact of Ozzy Osbourne on the global music scene.
The next confirmed step in the Ozzfest revival will be the announcement of specific dates and the U.S. Locations for the 2027 festival. Fans are encouraged to follow official updates from Sharon Osbourne and Live Nation for further details.
What are your thoughts on the return of Ozzfest? Share your memories and suggestions for U.S. Locations in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow music fans.
