Ozzfest Returns to US and UK in 2027 After Decade-Long Hiatus

Ozzfest, the legendary heavy metal festival co-founded by Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, is set to make a triumphant return in 2027. After nearly a decade away, the festival will take place in both the United States and the United Kingdom, with the UK edition confirmed for Villa Park in Birmingham—Ozzy Osbourne’s hometown and the site of his emotional final performance in 2025. The US location remains unannounced, but fans can expect more details in the coming months.

The festival’s revival comes as a poignant tribute to Ozzy, who passed away in July 2025 at the age of 76. Sharon Osbourne, who has been vocal about her desire to honor her late husband’s legacy, emphasized that Ozzfest’s return will focus on nurturing new talent, a core value Ozzy championed. "It was something Ozzy was very passionate about: giving young talent a stage in front of a lot of people," she told Billboard earlier this year. While no lineup has been revealed yet, Sharon hinted that the 2027 editions will blend established acts with emerging artists, staying true to the festival’s original spirit.

A Legacy of Breaking New Talent

Ozzfest launched in 1996 after Ozzy and Sharon were famously rejected by Lollapalooza, prompting them to create their own festival. The inaugural edition featured a stacked lineup, including Ozzy Osbourne, Slayer, Danzig, Biohazard, and Sepultura, and quickly became a proving ground for up-and-coming bands. By the late 1990s, Ozzfest had become synonymous with the nu-metal explosion, giving early breaks to acts like Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, and System of a Down.

The festival expanded globally, hosting editions in Germany, Belgium, and Japan, before scaling back to a single-day event in the US. Its final incarnation took place on December 31, 2018, at The Forum in Inglewood, California, with Ozzy headlining alongside Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, and Jonathan Davis.

What to Expect in 2027

While details are still scarce, here’s what fans can anticipate: - UK Edition: Confirmed for Villa Park, Birmingham, where Ozzy played his final show in 2025. Sharon suggested it could be a one- or two-day event, depending on demand. - US Edition: Location and dates TBA, but expect a similar format to the UK event. - Lineup Philosophy: A mix of veteran acts and rising stars, with a focus on genres beyond traditional metal, per Sharon’s comments. - Ticketing: No official links yet, but updates will likely be posted on Ozzfest’s official channels.

Why Ozzfest’s Return Matters

For metal fans, Ozzfest’s revival is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of Ozzy’s legacy and the genre he helped define. The festival’s history of breaking new bands and fostering a sense of community makes its return a significant moment for the heavy music scene. As Sharon put it, "It was like summer camp for kids"—a place where fans and artists alike could connect over their shared love of metal.

With the 2027 editions, Ozzfest aims to recapture that magic while honoring Ozzy’s vision. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the genre, the festival’s return promises to be a must-attend event for anyone who believes in the power of live music.

Stay tuned for lineup announcements and ticketing details—more information is expected "soon," according to Sharon.