An interactive digital avatar of Ozzy Osbourne is being created by Hyperreal, as announced at Licensing Expo 2026. The project captures “the digital DNA of Ozzy Osbourne, voice, image [and] movement,” according to his son Jack Osbourne. “It’s kind of scary how it’s really very accurate. He will exist digitally as himself for as long as we have computers,” Jack stated. The technology allows users to prompt what they want Digital Ozzy to do in commercials or other content. Sharon Osbourne explained the avatar’s capabilities: “You can ask Ozzy anything, and he will answer you in his own voice – and the answers will be what Ozzy would have said. We’re going to take it all around the world.” Ozzy passed away at 76 on July 22nd last year, weeks after his final performance at the “Back to the Beginning” charity concert. The family is also developing a biopic expected in 2028. (Story URL)
Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan confirmed his band’s enthusiasm for performing at Las Vegas Sphere during a new interview. “Absolutely. It’s a no-doubter for us. We just haven’t been asked yet,” Corgan stated when asked about potential residency interest. He suggested performing their 1995 diamond-certified album Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness would be ideal for the venue’s immersive capabilities. “If the Sphere came to us and said, ‘We’d love you to do all of ‘Mellon Collie’ with that production,’ now that makes sense to me,” Corgan explained. The band recently announced “The Rats In A Cage Tour” featuring two distinct sets celebrating the album’s 30th anniversary. The 17,600-capacity Sphere has hosted residencies by U2, Metallica, Phish, Dead & Company, and The Eagles since opening in September 2023. (Story URL)
Bruce Springsteen faces escalating death threats during his Land of Hope & Dreams Tour, according to E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt. “This tour has been a little bit different because of the high security,” Van Zandt told the Daily Mail. “It’s a very specific political theme to this tour and there’s been a lot of threats, death threats. Usually there’s always some, but this time it’s been increasing.” The rock icon, a vocal critic of President Trump, regularly addresses current administration policies including the Iran war and ICE. Springsteen previously called Trump “corrupt, incompetent and treasonous,” while the President labeled him a “dried out prune.” Van Zandt noted enhanced security measures, stating “the FBI and others have been really watching things and been overly concerned about it, as they should be.” (Story URL)