Sharon Osbourne Open to Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne Performing as Digital Avatars

With Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne expected to take their final bow following this July’s ‘Back To The Beginning‘ festival, Sharon Osbourne has expressed openness to the idea of the band and her husband continuing in a digital form.

Hologram and avatar-based performances have been attempted in the past, including a show featuring the likeness of late ex-Black Sabbath and Dio frontman Ronnie James Dio. More recently, ABBA found success with their digital incarnations, paving the way for KISS to launch their own virtual counterparts in 2027.

Speaking with Metal Hammer, Sharon, who has long managed Ozzy’s career, was asked if she would consider a similar venture for Black Sabbath and Ozzy. She responded:

“Sure I would, yeah. Technology keeps moving on and on. You can do incredible things now, so what you could do in five years will be even better. You never know what the opportunities are.”

Before any such plans take shape, Black Sabbath will reunite for one final live performance at Back To The Beginning, set for July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK. This historic show will see the return of drummer Bill Ward, marking a full-circle moment for the pioneering heavy metal band. The sold-out event will also serve as Ozzy Osbourne’s last major solo performance, as his declining health has made it difficult for him to walk unassisted.

The festival lineup includes a stacked roster of metal and hard rock icons, many of whom are expected to perform Sabbath covers. Artists confirmed for the event include Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb Of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Rival Sons.

Additionally, an all-star jam session will close out the night, serving as a send-off for both Black Sabbath and Ozzy. Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello has been tapped to lead the ensemble, which will feature:

Andrew Watt
Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins)
Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Danny Carey (Tool)
David Draiman (Disturbed)
David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth)
Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses)
Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit)
Lzzy Hale (Halestorm)
Jake E. Lee (Red Dragon Cartel, ex-Ozzy Osbourne)
Jonathan Davis (Korn)
KK Downing (KK’s Priest, ex-Judas Priest)
Mike Bordin (Faith No More/Ozzy Osbourne)
Papa V Perpetua (Ghost)
Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, etc.)
Sammy Hagar (ex-Van Halen)
Slash (Guns N’ Roses)
II (Sleep Token)
Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine)
Vernon Reid (Living Colour)
Whitfield Crane (Ugly Kid Joe)
Wolfgang Van Halen (Mammoth WVH, ex-Van Halen)

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