The iconic metal festival Ozzfest will officially return in 2027, according to Sharon Osbourne, manager and widow of Ozzy Osbourne, who revealed new details during an appearance on the The Osbournes Podcast.
The festival is set to begin with a two-day event at Villa Park in Birmingham, Ozzy’s hometown, before eventually expanding to the United States.
Speaking with her son Jack Osbourne, Sharon explained:
“We wanna do two days in Aston Villa and then come to America. Then we wanna hear from everyone where we should go in America.”“We wanna do two days in Aston Villa and then come to America. Then we wanna hear from everyone where we should go in America.”
She also emphasized that supporting new artists will remain central to the festival’s mission:She also emphasized that supporting new artists will remain central to the festival’s mission:
“We’ve got to find a lot of young, new talent, because that’s what your dad would want.”“We’ve got to find a lot of young, new talent, because that’s what your dad would want.”
Ozzfest first launched in 1996 as a two-day festival before expanding into a touring event the following year. Over the decades, it became one of the most influential metal festivals in the world, hosting acts such as Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, DevilDriver, and of course Ozzy himself.
Sharon clarified that the 2027 edition will not initially be a touring festival, though that could change depending on fan response.
“See how it does, and if people want it, we’ll be there. If it goes well, it might become a tour again in 2028.”
During the conversation, the possibility of expanding Ozzfest internationally was also discussed, including the idea of bringing the festival to India, where rock and metal audiences have grown significantly in recent years.
Reflecting on what made Ozzfest unique, Sharon said:Reflecting on what made Ozzfest unique, Sharon said:
“It was more fun. When you go to other festivals, everybody is so tense. That was never the vibe of ours. Nobody was competing or thinking they were better than anyone else. It was like summer camp.”“It was more fun. When you go to other festivals, everybody is so tense. That was never the vibe of ours. Nobody was competing or thinking they were better than anyone else. It was like summer camp.”
She concluded by highlighting the festival’s legacy:She concluded by highlighting the festival’s legacy:
“We really started metal festivals in this country. It was replicated, but never done with the spirit of what ours was, because ours was a place for new talent. It was like summer camp for kids.”“We really started metal festivals in this country. It was replicated, but never done with the spirit of what ours was, because ours was a place for new talent. It was like summer camp for kids.”
Notably, Black Sabbath performed their historic “Back To The Beginning” concert at Villa Park, marking the final show for both Ozzy and the band shortly before the Prince of Darkness passed away.