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Words by: Mitch Patrick Photos by: Luci Scott Okay, let’s just call it: if you’ve ever been to a sold out show at Melbourne’s 170 Russell, you already know it’s basically a sauna with a stage. Last night? No different. This was my first time seeing Taylor Acorn live and apparently, every other pop-punk fan […]

Something strange is happening in the Vancouver woods

Chicago rock band Ignescent has released a new single and music video titled “Joker.” The track serves as the lead-in for their upcoming studio album, Eternal, which arrives March 20, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. Led by vocalist Jennifer Benson, the band uses this music to explore themes of betrayal and the emotional process of moving forward. The single highlights their signature modern metal sound, blending aggressive energy with melodic depth.

The upcoming album, Eternal, was produced by Jeremy Valentine and Brandon Wolfe and focuses on messages of hope and resilience. This new project features collaborations with members of Sevendust and Flyleaf, building on the band’s past success on the Billboard charts and their history of touring across the Midwest and Europe. As the March launch nears, the album is available for pre-order, marking the next chapter for the Chicago group.

Watch the music video below.

The post Ignescent Announces New Album Eternal and Releases New Single “Joker” first appeared on FemMetal – Goddesses of Metal.

Is Ozzfest Really Coming Back In 2027?

Yes. Sharon Osbourne has confirmed that Ozzfest will return in 2027, marking its first revival since the 2018 New Year’s Eve event in Los Angeles.

TL;DR

Sharon Osbourne publicly confirmed at MIDEM 2026 that Ozzfest will return in 2027. The last edition took place December 31, 2018, shortly before Ozzy Osbourne’s health decline halted future plans. Sharon says discussions with Live Nation are underway and that the next version may mix genres while staying true to Ozzfest’s original mission of breaking new bands.

Ozzfest was never meant to end.

That’s the part most people forgot.

When Sharon Osbourne spoke at MIDEM 2026 in Cannes, she didn’t hedge, tease, or “leave the door open.” She answered directly.

“Yes, absolutely. Yeah, we’re gonna do it.”

That clarity changes the entire narrative around Ozzfest.

For nearly a decade, the assumption was that 2018 had quietly closed the book. But Sharon made it clear that wasn’t the intention. The New Year’s Eve 2018 edition at The Forum in Los Angeles was never supposed to be the finale. It just happened one month before Ozzy Osbourne’s health crisis forced everything to stop.

There were no plans to shut it down.

It paused.

Loaded Radio Recommends – The Ultimate Ranking: The Top 13 Jake E. Lee Era Ozzy Osbourne Songs

The Festival That Built The Blueprint

Ozzfest launched in 1996 and became the first national U.S. touring festival devoted specifically to heavy metal and hard rock. It wasn’t simply a tour package. It created the American summer metal model.

Bands like Slipknot, System Of A Down, and Lamb Of God didn’t just play the festival — they grew on it. The smaller “baby stage” was designed as a proving ground, where unknown acts learned how to perform in front of thousands before graduating to main-stage chaos.

That developmental pipeline was intentional.

Sharon described it as “summer camp for kids.”

And that philosophy appears to be central to the 2027 vision.

Could Ozzfest Work Without Ozzy?

Sharon revealed that she and Ozzy had talked about whether the festival could survive without him physically headlining.

Her answer was blunt.

“It’s a brand.”

That single sentence reframes the entire return.

Ozzfest may have been built around Ozzy’s presence, but Sharon sees it as larger than one performer. If the 2027 edition leans into legacy headliners alongside emerging acts, it could reset the heavy festival conversation in the U.S.

But economics remain the elephant in the room.

The Business Reality That Stopped It

Ozzfest didn’t fade because fans disappeared. It stopped because it became financially unsustainable.

Sharon has spoken openly about inflated guarantees and management demands. She even recalled an incident in the early years when Glenn Danzig allegedly refused to go onstage without an additional $10,000 payment mid-event.

Her summary was direct: it stopped being cost effective.

Today’s festival market is even more aggressive. Artist guarantees are higher. Infrastructure costs are steeper. But Sharon has confirmed she’s been speaking with Live Nation, which suggests real planning — not wishful thinking.

A New Direction For 2027

Sharon has hinted that the next version of the event may mix genres more freely. Modern heavy music audiences aren’t locked into one lane the way they were twenty years ago. Metalcore, industrial, hard rock, and crossover acts now coexist on the same bills without friction.

The real question isn’t whether Ozzfest can come back.

It’s whether it can matter again.

Does it return as a nostalgia-driven celebration?
Or as a disruptive reset that reminds the industry who built the blueprint?

If Sharon’s confidence is any indication, 2027 won’t be quiet.

Check This Out – Seven Months After the Silence: Ranking the 13 Ozzy Osbourne Solo Songs That Built a Throne

FAQ

Is Ozzfest Confirmed For 2027?

Yes. Sharon Osbourne confirmed at MIDEM 2026 that the festival will return in 2027.

When Was The Last Ozzfest?

The most recent edition took place December 31, 2018 at The Forum in Los Angeles.

Why Did Ozzfest Stop?

According to Sharon Osbourne, rising band guarantees and management demands made the festival financially unsustainable.

Will Ozzy Osbourne Perform At Ozzfest 2027?

Sharon has said Ozzfest is a brand that can function without Ozzy headlining, though lineup details have not been announced.

Ozzfest Festival Bio

Ozzfest launched in 1996 and became the first national U.S. touring festival dedicated to heavy metal and hard rock. Founded by Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, it helped elevate numerous bands to mainstream prominence and influenced the modern American festival model.

The post The Return Of Ozzfest? Sharon Osbourne Confirms 2027 Revival Plans appeared first on Loaded Radio.

He was there on the fateful day the two future Beatles met. Continue reading…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Royal Hunt Unleashes Unplugged Acoustic Video of Fan-Favorite “Half Past Loneliness”
Global Progressive Metal Icons Celebrate Fans with Stunning Acoustic Performance
Copenhagen, Denmark – Legendary progressive metal outfit Royal Hunt has released an unplugged acoustic version video of their fan-favorite track, “Half Past Loneliness” .
Fans can watch the intimate performance now on YouTube:

Originally recorded for the 2011 album Show Me How To Live ( https://royalhunt.com/show-live/), the acoustic rendition comes from the recently released EP Behind the Curtain , which debuted on November 5, 2025 via NorthPoint Productions & Sound Pollution (EU / North & South America) and October 29, 2025 via King Records (Japan / SE Asia). The EP was created as a celebration of Royal Hunt’s global fan community and made possible through overwhelming fan support.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1PMdP7oiKzPNewkNOYTh2i
Get the CD, DVD, and Official Merch: https://royalhunt.com
About “Ride Into the Sunset”
Originally intended as the closing chapter of Dystopia, Pt. 2 , “Ride Into the Sunset” tells the story of a man disillusioned with the world, longing to break free and disappear into the horizon – reminiscent of the epic finales of classic western films. After nearly two years on the shelf, the track now takes its rightful place in the spotlight.
About Royal Hunt
Formed in 1989 by keyboardist André Andersen , Royal Hunt has forged a reputation as a powerhouse of progressive and symphonic metal. With over 1.8 million albums sold worldwide, the band fuses classic rock energy with intricate, modern arrangements. Their recent global performances include headlining Leyendas del Rock Festival (Spain) , Jailbreak Festival (Denmark) , Posada Rock (Romania) , Epic Festival (Denmark) , and a standout Japanese tour in 2025. Royal Hunt also delivered unforgettable performances at the 70,000 Tons of Metal Festival in 2026, with additional major festival appearances confirmed for summer 2026.
Royal Hunt Lineup:
André Andersen – keyboards
DC Cooper – vocals
Andreas Passmark – bass
Jonas Larsen – guitars
Andreas HABO Johansson – drums
More Info: www.royalhunt.com

Connect with Royal Hunt
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2CzAMm46coQpauDZj4a4ic
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/royal-hunt/72774929
https://www.instagram.com/royalhunt_official
https://www.facebook.com/royalhunt
Contact: info@northpoint-productions.com

Lily Allen returned last fall with her first album in seven years, a Lemonade-esque concept album about the collapse of her marriage called West End Girls. Now she’s played her first concert in seven years too, assuming you don’t count promotional appearances like her December SNL appearance and January’s Chateau Marmont pop-up as concerts (and we don’t).

The post Lily Allen Performs New Album At First Concert In Seven Years appeared first on Stereogum.

Glen Drover recently revealed how he tried to shape Megadeth's future while on his way out the door. Continue reading…

Will there be more Sessanta shows? Maynard James Keenan shares his thoughts on what must happen before the elaborate three band setup can continue. Continue reading…

Some viewers have made negative comments about Osbourne's appearance at the 2026 BRIT Awards, prompting her to fire back via Instagram Stories. Continue reading…