Category: news

  • “Another exciting step as we continue to grow his licensing program around the world.” Universal Studios launch two Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness haunted houses

    Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights are launching a pair of Ozzy Osbourne-themed haunted houses at its Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood facilities.

    According to a press statement bearing the news, the two immersive attractions will transport fans through “iconic moments spanning more than four decades of music, imagery and storytelling” and create “a powerful new touchpoint for fans around the world.”

    In a promo video featuring a gothic test-your-strength machine topped by a giant bat, Ozzy’s voice bellows, “Let the madness begin!” However, it’s unclear whether this is the late Black Sabbath frontman’s real voice or the controversial AI version of Ozzy discussed by Jack and Sharon Osbourne earlier this year.

    “Ozzy never stopped pushing boundaries, and he loved anything that gave fans a new way to experience his music and the worlds he created,” say Sharon and Jack in a statement. “Halloween Horror Nights has done an incredible job bringing that spirit to life. Walking through these haunted houses, you’ll recognise so many moments inspired by his music and imagination.

    “It’s a wonderful tribute to Ozzy, and we hope fans have as much fun experiencing it as he would have had seeing it come together.”

    “Ozzy Osbourne didn’t just help define heavy metal – he created a cultural phenomenon that has influenced generations of music, art and horror,” says John Murdy, Executive Producer of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. “We previously had the privilege of collaborating with Ozzy, and this new haunted house is an opportunity to honour his extraordinary solo career.

    “Inspired by all 13 of his albums, guests will journey through the dark, surreal worlds that fueled his music and cemented his legacy as the one and only Prince of Darkness.”

    “I’ve had the privilege of working with Ozzy for over a decade, and one thing that never changed was the incredible connection he had with his fans,” says Barry Drinkwater, Chairman and Founder of Global Merchandising Services. “That connection continues today, and our job is to keep creating authentic ways for fans to celebrate his legacy.

    “This partnership with Halloween Horror Nights is a perfect example of that. It’s a fantastic tribute to Ozzy and another exciting step as we continue to grow his licensing program around the world.”

    The Ozzy Osbourne: Prince Of Darkness haunted houses open for business on August 28 at Universal Orlando Resort and September 3 at Universal Studios Hollywood. Both attractions will be open until November 1.

  • “OZZY OSBOURNE: Prince Of Darkness” Haunted House Announced for Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights

    Following the first-ever Ozzy Osbourne Day celebrations on July 22, Global Merchandising Services (GMS), the worldwide licensing representative for Ozzy Osbourne, has announced a new collaboration with Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. The partnership will introduce an all-new haunted house experience, Ozzy Osbourne: Prince Of Darkness, at Universal Orlando Resort beginning August 28 and at Universal Studios Hollywood starting September 3.

    Built around Ozzy Osbourne‘s solo career, the attraction takes visitors through moments inspired by more than 40 years of music, visuals, and storytelling. Fans can expect scenes based on landmark albums including Blizzard Of Ozz, Diary Of A Madman, Bark At The Moon, No More Tears, and Ordinary Man, celebrating the legacy of one of heavy music’s defining figures.

    “Ozzy Osbourne never stopped pushing boundaries, and he loved anything that gave fans a new way to experience his music and the worlds he created,” Sharon and Jack Osbourne jointly stated. “Halloween Horror Nights has done an incredible job bringing that spirit to life. Walking through these haunted houses, you’ll recognize so many moments inspired by his music and imagination. It’s a wonderful tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, and we hope fans have as much fun experiencing it as he would have had seeing it come together.”

    John Murdy, executive producer of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, also spoke about the project: “Ozzy Osbourne didn’t just help define heavy metal — he created a cultural phenomenon that has influenced generations of music, art and horror. We previously had the privilege of collaborating with Ozzy Osbourne, and this new haunted house is an opportunity to honor his extraordinary solo career. Inspired by all 13 of his albums, guests will journey through the dark, surreal worlds that fueled his music and cemented his legacy as the one and only Prince of Darkness.”

    Mike Aiello, senior director of entertainment creative development at Universal Orlando Resort, said authenticity was a priority throughout the creative process: “We are honored to collaborate with the Osbourne family to create a unique haunted house that celebrates the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne. It was important for us to create an authentic experience that brings Ozzy Osbourne‘s creativity and personality to life in an eerily immersive new way. Fans will discover so many meaningful details, including a few Easter Eggs, as they navigate memorable dark and twisted moments inspired by his iconic musical career.”

    The collaboration also includes a limited-edition merchandise collection inspired by the haunted house. The lineup will feature apparel and collectibles available at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, and online.

    The new attraction is another addition to Ozzy Osbourne‘s expanding licensing program, which continues to introduce new fan experiences and merchandise across a variety of categories. The agreement with Universal joins a growing list of partnerships centered on celebrating his impact on music, entertainment, and pop culture.

    “I’ve had the privilege of working with Ozzy Osbourne for over a decade, and one thing that never changed was the incredible connection he had with his fans,” said Barry Drinkwater, chairman and founder of Global Merchandising Services. “That connection continues today, and our job is to keep creating authentic ways for fans to celebrate his legacy. This partnership with Halloween Horror Nights is a perfect example of that. It’s a fantastic tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and another exciting step as we continue to grow his licensing program around the world.”

    Halloween Horror Nights will run on select nights from August 28 through November 1 at Universal Orlando Resort and from September 3 through November 1 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

    The post “OZZY OSBOURNE: Prince Of Darkness” Haunted House Announced for Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

  • Julia Holter – “My Lost One”

    Julia Holter might win some, but she just lost one. Actually, I don’t know if she just lost it. Her new single “My Lost One,” the latest from her forthcoming Materia, doesn’t specify when it was lost. The song is minimal and dreamy for most of its runtime, marked by Chris Speed’s ambiguous saxophone and breathy whispers from Holter that often resemble incantations. She used the word “witchy” to describe what’s going on here, a descriptor that feels ever more appropriate as the song reaches its haunting/soothing conclusion.

    The post Julia Holter – “My Lost One” appeared first on Stereogum.

  • Squanderers Announce New Album Bright Madness: Hear “Theme For The Casino At 5 A.M.”

    Two years ago, underground OGs David Grubbs and Kramer teamed up with nouveau legend Wendy Eisenberg under the name Squanderers, playing sparse, searching improvisational guitar-bass music with no further accompaniment. The trio released their debut album, If A Body Meet A Body, on Kramer’s Shimmy-Disc label in 2024, then followed it with a second LP, Skantagio, in 2025. They’ve already got a third in the queue: Bright Madness will be out in September, this time via Drag City.

    The post Squanderers Announce New Album <em>Bright Madness</em>: Hear “Theme For The Casino At 5 A.M.” appeared first on Stereogum.

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