Ozzy Osbourne: Sharon Osbourne to Revive Ozzfest in 2027 as Tribute and Talent Launcher
On a podcast recorded earlier this year, Sharon Osbourne sketched out a simple plan — two days at Villa Park in Birmingham, then shows in North America — a revival that she says will honor ozzy osbourne and the festival’s original mission of lifting new acts into the spotlight.
What did Sharon Osbourne say about Ozzy Osbourne and the 2027 comeback?
Sharon Osbourne, founder of Ozzfest and long-time manager of Ozzy Osbourne, was clear and direct: “Yes, absolutely. Yeah, we’re gonna do it. ” She recalled that the last full Ozzfest was in 2018 at The Forum in Los Angeles, held shortly before Ozzy fell ill, and that there had been no plan to stop the festival. Sharon said that she and Ozzy discussed whether Ozzfest could continue without him — “Do you think Ozzfest would work without me?” — and that Ozzy gave his blessing for the event to continue. On the planning for the next edition, Sharon said she is looking for “a lot of young, new talent, because that’s what [Ozzy] would want. ” Jack Osbourne, their son, noted plans for two days in Birmingham followed by two days in North America, and Kelly Osbourne raised the practical challenge of booking acts within realistic budgets.
How will the 2027 Ozzfest be staged and who is behind it?
Sharon Osbourne outlined a launch at Villa Park, home ground of Aston Villa Football Club, as the festival’s opening stop in 2027, followed by shows in North America. She described the 2027 edition as a limited, non-traveling event initially: two days in Birmingham and then a concentrated North American run, with the possibility of returning to a touring model in 2028 if demand supports it. Sharon has been in discussions with Live Nation about bringing the festival back and has signaled a willingness to broaden the lineup beyond traditional rock and metal genres.
Why does Ozzfest matter now, and what will it mean for new artists?
Ozzfest was founded in 1996 after other festivals would not give Ozzy Osbourne a slot, and it built a reputation as a platform for emerging talent. Sharon described the festival as “a place for new talent” and likened its atmosphere to “summer camp for kids. ” Over the years, Ozzfest became known for early stages for bands that went on to larger success. Sharon has expressed an intention to mix genres for the next edition and to use the event to showcase young performers to large audiences — a continuation of the festival’s original purpose.
The revival is also being framed as a tribute. Sharon has said the return will honor Ozzy Osbourne’s passion for giving new artists a stage and that continuing Ozzfest was one of his wishes. Sharon has suggested broadening the musical mix to reflect how younger fans listen across genres, and she has signaled ambition for notable names to appear as well.
Operationally, Sharon has discussed the comeback on podcasts and at industry events, stressing practical steps: finding young talent, shaping a lineup that feels inclusive, and testing the market with a concentrated 2027 launch before expanding. She has been explicit about the festival’s dual aims — to celebrate a legacy and to create opportunity for emerging musicians.
Back on the podcast where she first sketched the plan, Sharon returned to the festival’s roots: a touring idea that began as a response to exclusion and grew into a national institution. She emphasized that Ozzfest was never intended to stop and that the 2027 edition will try to preserve the spirit Ozzy valued while adapting to today’s musical landscape.
As preparations move from conversation to concrete bookings, the promise of two days at Villa Park and a compact North American leg offers a tangible first step. For fans and artists who remember Ozzfest’s early years as an incubator of new talent, the announcement signals both a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and a renewed stage for the next generation.
