An AI-powered version of heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne could make its UK debut in Birmingham, after Sharon Osbourne revealed plans to take a hyper-real digital avatar of the Black Sabbath star around the world.
The project was announced in the United States last week by Sharon and son Jack Osbourne, with the technology being developed by digital firms Hyperreal and Proto Hologram.
Speaking to Ed James on BBC Radio WM, Sharon said early tests of the avatar were remarkably lifelike.
“I’ve seen the tests that they’ve done of Ozzy and you can see every pore on his face, his beard’s coming through, it’s that detailed,” she said.
Ozzy Osbourne died in July aged 76, less than three weeks after performing with Black Sabbath at Villa Park.
According to the companies behind the project, the avatar will be capable of interacting with fans, responding to questions and appearing in performances and exhibitions.
Sharon Osbourne said she hopes Birmingham will be the first UK location to host the attraction.
“It’s going to go around the world, we’re going to take it around the world, but it has to be in Birmingham first,” she said.
She added that the technology could eventually be used in concerts, films and advertising campaigns.
“You can go and talk to Ozzy and ask him anything you want and he will talk back to you, you can have your photo taken with Ozzy. Ask him anything you want, and he can talk to you,” she said.
“He can tell the audience he loves them. He can just be Ozzy. After you get over the tears, it’s brilliant.”
In a YouTube video discussing the project, Jack Osbourne described the idea as “tasteful” and said he had previously discussed similar technology with his father.
“It’s something that I think my dad would be into because we actually talked about it before he passed about doing something like this,” he said.
He added: “This is some high-level technology that we’re going to be working with and it’s going to feel very real and it’s kind of wild how it will be utilised.”
Sharon Osbourne also spoke about the support the family has received since Ozzy’s death.
“Grief is a very weird thing and I truly believe it never leaves you, you just have to learn to live with it,” she said.
“It’s been incredible, the outpouring of love for Ozzy.”
During the interview, she also praised Aston Villa’s Europa League final victory, describing it as a positive moment for Birmingham.
“It’s what everyone needed, it unites everybody,” she said.
The interview was originally broadcast on BBC Radio WM with presenter Ed James.
