The music industry is abuzz with news of the revival of Ozzfest by Sharon Osbourne, who is determined to honor her late husband’s legacy in a big way.
Sharon Osbourne is bringing back Ozzfest, a dream cherished by Ozzy Osbourne himself, showcasing her commitment to keeping his vision alive. Following the passing of the legendary Black Sabbath frontman in July 2025, Sharon, his widow of 43 years, has revealed plans to work with Live Nation to resurrect the iconic heavy metal festival that left a lasting impact on a generation of fans.
“It was something Ozzy was very passionate about: giving young talent a stage in front of a lot of people,” Sharon, 73, shared with Billboard in December. “We really started metal festivals in this country.”
For metal enthusiasts who remember the glory days of Ozzfest, this announcement sparks a sense of nostalgia. Sharon reminisces that the festival was more than just a series of concerts—it was like “summer camp for kids.”
Sharon Osbourne has bigger plans in mind as she gears up to relaunch Ozzfest with a modern twist. From 1996 to 2018, Ozzfest served as the ultimate gathering for metalheads, boasting legendary lineups with iconic bands like Slipknot, Metallica, Tool, Pantera, and more. Ozzy himself headlined the festival with both his solo band and a reunited Black Sabbath, creating unforgettable moments for fans both in the US and Europe.
However, Sharon is not merely recreating the past—she is reimagining it. She expressed her desire to mix up genres, hinting at the possibility of featuring artists beyond traditional metal in the new Ozzfest lineup. The festival could make a grand return as early as 2027, bringing together established legends and rising stars in a way that stays true to Ozzy’s original vision while also pushing boundaries.
Sharon’s fingerprint on Ozzfest’s creative direction has always been present, even though Ozzy was the face of the festival. She explained, “All of the creative direction for visuals at Ozzfest was mine. I can’t sing a note—I’m tone-deaf—but I can be creative, and I like to create things.”
Metal fans are eagerly anticipating Ozzfest’s return, as for many, the festival represents more than just music—it symbolizes a movement within the music industry.Originally launched in 1996 after Ozzy was rejected by Lollapalooza organizers, Ozzfest became the premier platform for discovering new metal talent while celebrating the genre’s established icons.
Sharon’s dedication to continuing Ozzy’s musical legacy extends beyond Ozzfest. She is also working on developing a Black Sabbath orchestral tour featuring local orchestras performing the band’s catalog with state-of-the-art visuals, along with a scripted film about portions of Ozzy’s remarkable life.
As Sharon navigates through grief following Ozzy’s passing, she finds solace in discovering new talent, attending concerts, and scouting for the next generation of rock stars. The return of Ozzfest feels like a homecoming for metal fans who grew up with the festival, and for Sharon, it’s a way to keep Ozzy’s spirit alive while continuing to shape the music industry she helped revolutionize.
The Prince of Darkness may have left us, but his legacy—and his beloved festival—continues to thrive.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.