Sharon Osbourne has revealed that one of heavy metal’s most legendary festival brands may be preparing for a comeback. In a recent interview with Billboard, Osbourne confirmed she is currently in active discussions with Live Nation about reviving Ozzfest, the groundbreaking touring festival she launched with Ozzy Osbourne three decades ago.
“I’ve been talking to Live Nation about bringing it back,” Sharon said, hinting that the iconic festival could potentially return as early as 2027.
For metal fans, this news is more than nostalgia — it’s the possible rebirth of a platform that helped shape the modern festival landscape in the United States.
Ozzfest: The Festival That Changed Metal in America
When Ozzfest debuted in the mid-1990s, it wasn’t just another concert tour. It became a cultural movement.
“We really started metal festivals in this country,” Sharon explained, emphasizing how Ozzfest filled a gap that the U.S. music scene was missing at the time.
Unlike many mainstream festivals, Ozzfest was designed as a home for heavy music — a place where both major acts and emerging artists could thrive side by side.
“It was a place for new talent,” she said.
That mission became the festival’s defining legacy: not only celebrating metal legends but also giving younger bands their first major stage.
A Comeback — But Not the Same Ozzfest Fans Remember
While the idea of Ozzfest returning is thrilling for longtime followers, Sharon made it clear that this revival would not simply recreate the past.
The new version of the festival could take a bold new direction by mixing genres, marking a major shift from Ozzfest’s traditionally metal-only identity.
This potential evolution reflects the changing landscape of live music today, where audiences often embrace lineups that cross musical boundaries.
If launched, the festival could introduce a fresh hybrid format — one that honors its metal roots while welcoming new sounds and younger generations of fans.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Passion for Supporting New Artists
At the heart of the discussions is Ozzy Osbourne’s long-standing love for giving new bands a spotlight.
Sharon shared that Ozzy remains deeply passionate about creating opportunities for young talent.
“You need the headliners,” she said, “but it’s all about breaking new bands. That’s why we did it.”
This philosophy is what made Ozzfest so influential. It wasn’t just about stadium-level superstars — it was about building the future of heavy music.
Why Ozzfest Ended: “Greed” Made It Impossible
Ozzfest’s disappearance from the touring circuit has been felt for years.
The festival last toured the U.S. in 2007, later transitioning into occasional one-off events rather than full national runs. One of the most notable was the 2018 New Year’s Eve edition in Los Angeles.
Sharon has previously spoken openly about why the festival stopped.
She blamed rising industry costs, saying that managers and agents became “greedy,” making the festival financially unsustainable.
The economics of large-scale touring festivals changed dramatically, and even a brand as powerful as Ozzfest struggled to survive under those pressures.
Beyond Ozzfest: A Classical Black Sabbath Tour in the Works
In addition to festival talks, Sharon also revealed another ambitious project underway with Live Nation: a classical tour of Black Sabbath’s catalog.
The concept would feature local orchestras performing Sabbath’s legendary music, paired with modern visuals and immersive production.
This fusion of metal history and classical performance could offer fans a completely new way to experience the band’s groundbreaking work — blending heaviness with elegance on a grand stage.
A Potential 2027 Launch: What Comes Next?
While no official dates or lineups have been announced, Sharon’s comments suggest that planning is already moving forward.
A 2027 return would align with the festival’s legacy milestone — more than 30 years after its creation — and could introduce Ozzfest to a new era of music fans.
If the revival happens, it may become one of the most significant festival returns in rock and metal history.
The Legacy Still Matters
Even after years of silence, Sharon believes the original purpose of Ozzfest remains vital.
Breaking new bands. Giving them a stage. Keeping heavy music alive.
“That’s why we did it,” she said.
And if Ozzfest truly returns, it may once again become the proving ground where tomorrow’s metal legends are born.
Stay tuned — because if Sharon Osbourne’s vision becomes reality, Ozzfest could soon rise again, louder and more diverse than ever before.