The Ozzfest return planned for 2027 is starting to take shape, with Sharon Osbourne revealing the festival will kick off with two shows in Birmingham, England before expanding into North America.
Speaking on a new episode of ‘The Osbournes’ podcast, Sharon confirmed Ozzfest 2027 will launch at Villa Park, the home ground of Aston Villa Football Club (per Billboard).
“We wanna do two days in Aston Villa and then come to America,” Sharon explained. “And we wanna hear from everyone where we should go in America. And also we’ve gotta find a lot of young, new talent, because that’s what [Ozzy] would want.”
The Birmingham shows will mark the first Ozzfest events since 2018, when the festival last appeared as a one night New Year’s Eve show at The Forum in Los Angeles.
A smaller launch before possible expansion
According to Sharon, the initial plan for Ozzfest 2027 is relatively contained.
The festival will begin with two days in Birmingham, followed by two shows somewhere in North America, if demand is strong, the event could expand again in the following years.
“And then see how it does. And then if people want it, we’ll be there [in the] following years,” she said.
At least for the first year back, Ozzfest will not return as a travelling festival, though Sharon suggested that could change as early as 2028.
A festival built on community
Reflecting on the early years of the festival, Sharon said the atmosphere was what separated Ozzfest from the rest of the circuit:
“It was more fun. When you go to other festivals, everybody’s so uptight. But that was always the thing about our festival. There was never anybody jockeying for position or thought they were better than anyone else. It was a summer camp.”
She also hinted at potential artists she would like to see involved in the revival, saying she would love to “see Rob Halford there,” suggesting Judas Priest could appear at a future edition.
A defining festival for metal
Launched in 1996, Ozzfest became one of the most influential festivals in heavy music, helping introduce bands like Slipknot and System Of A Down to massive audiences. At its peak, the travelling festival defined the summer metal circuit across North America, the last fully touring version took place in 2007, with later editions appearing as destination or one off events.
Sharon recently said discussions with Live Nation are already underway as planning continues:
“It was something Ozzy was very passionate about: giving young talent a stage in front of a lot of people,” she explained earlier this year.
For now, the comeback fittingly begins where Ozzy Osbourne’s story started, Birmingham.
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