Sharon Osbourne has announced that Ozzfest is set to make a comeback next year after nearly a decade-long hiatus. The revival comes with the blessing of her husband, Ozzy Osbourne, who encouraged the festival to continue in his memory prior to his passing in July 2025.
During a discussion at the MIDEM 2026 conference in Cannes, France, Osbourne confirmed the plans, stating, “Yeah, we’re gonna do it.” She reflected on the last Ozzfest held in 2018, which took place just before Ozzy’s health declined. “Ozzy and I would talk about it, and he’d say, ‘Do you think Ozzfest would work without me?’ And I’m, like, ‘Yeah, it’s a brand. It will work without you.’ And he said, ‘We should do it.’”
Ozzfest, which originally ran from 1996 to 2018, is set to evolve into a touring festival format featuring a diverse range of acts. While the lineup will predominantly showcase heavy metal and hard rock artists, Osbourne hinted at the potential inclusion of artists from various genres, promising an expansive musical experience for fans.
The last festival featured memorable performances from Ozzy himself, as well as iconic artists like Rob Zombie, Jonathan Davis, and Marilyn Manson. In a poignant farewell prior to his death from cardiac arrest and coronary artery disease, Ozzy bid his fans goodbye with a heartfelt “Back to the Beginning” show alongside his Black Sabbath bandmates in Birmingham.
This news brings an exciting prospect for music lovers, particularly those who cherish the legacy of heavy metal. The revitalization of Ozzfest not only honors Ozzy Osbourne’s enduring influence in the rock genre but also promises to deliver thrilling performances and memorable moments for fans old and new. The festival’s return marks a significant step in keeping the rock spirit alive in the music community.