Sharon Osbourne has addressed her absence from the unveiling of Ozzy Osbourne’s statue at Hellfest. She shared a personal statement on her Instagram explaining that an unexpected medical situation prevented her from attending the milestone event at the renowned French metal festival.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t be at Hellfest for the unveiling of Ozzy’s statue,” she said. “Unfortunately I had an unexpected trip to the hospital earlier in the week.”
Despite missing the ceremony, Osbourne took the opportunity to express her gratitude to those involved in making the tribute possible.
“A big thank you to Olivier Garnier, Ben Barbaud and everyone at Hellfest,” she continued. “Special thank you to Philippe Pasqua for the absolutely stunning statue!”
No further details regarding Sharon’s hospitalization were shared at this time.
The tribute took place against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most celebrated heavy music events. Hellfest 2026 runs from June 18 to 21 in Clisson, France. It brings together 183 artists across its stages, with 85 bands performing on the main stages alone.
This year marks the 19th edition of Hellfest. The festival has grown into one of the most prestigious platforms in heavy music, and the decision to honor Ozzy with a statue reflects his enduring impact on the genre. The 2026 lineup features some of the biggest names in rock and metal, including Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Limp Bizkit, and Behemoth.
The statue was created by sculptor Philippe Pasqua. It represents not only a tribute to Ozzy’s musical career but also a lasting symbol of his connection to the festival and its community.
