Van Toffler, CEO of digital media production and distribution company Gunpowder & Sky, who spent thirty years at MTV will have a key role in the ceremony set to take place on September 7. He told Variety: “Toffler told Variety: “I have no doubt we will spend the next month figuring out the proper tribute and send off to Ozzy on the Video Music Awards, because he was such a large figure in music history, and the family had such an impact on MTV history, and we need to acknowledge that.”

“We were deep in the throes of reality television in the early 2000s but I don’t think we’d ever had someone over 50 years old featured on any show on MTV in its history. We were looking to launch Cribs, and we shot a bit with the Osbournes, and we all kind of looked at each other and just felt there is some wonderful, serendipitous chaos and insanity in this house that people would eat up. What a loving, dysfunctional, chaotic, musical family they were. And it just hit us to keep shooting, which went on for years.”

Indeed, Toffler is also well-known to have helped launched early 2000s iconic MTV reality show The Osbournes which followed the crazy life of Ozzy, Sharon and their children Kelly, Aimee and Jack.

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A post shared by Ozzy Osbourne (@ozzyosbourne)

The death was confirmed by the singer’s family in a statement which read: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.” Since then, multiple other artists such as Yungblud, Ozzy’s fellow band members of Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, lead singer of Smashing Pumpkins Billy Corgan, Sir Elton John, AC/DC, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin and more have released statements about Ozzy, him as a person and the impact he has had on various different socials.

The members of Black Sabbath  said they felt like they “lost their brother” whilst Yungblud, an artist highly praised and loved by Ozzy himself, released some very heart words saying: “I didn’t think you would leave so soon the last time we met you were so full of life and your laugh filled up the room.  But as it is written with legends, they seem to know the things that we don’t. I will never forget you – you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage. Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own. You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us the music was enough. You took us on your adventure – an adventure that started it all. I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time.”

The icon’s death came shortly after his farewell gig with Black Sabbath in his hometown of Birmingham on July 5.

Every year the festival runs over the course of a well invested three days. However, this year is a special edition of four days packed up to the brim with industry leading bands within the rock and heavy metal scene. Their roster is looking juicy with a now confirmed 60 acts on the list. The meal prep for the final main dish is in full swing and it’s already starting to smell good.

The appetising line-up announced for this year 2023, will be lead by three unmissable headline acts such as the eminent Metallica, playing for the first time since 2012 at said festival with a fortunate two headlining shows on the Thursday, 8th of June  and Saturday, 10th of June, showcasing two completely different sets with unrepeated setlists. Alongside them, the Sheffield band Bring Me The Horizon will be taking the headline position on the Thursday, 8th June and Slipknot will be taking the main stage on the Sunday, 11th June.

Like every year, the event is held in the hallowed grounds of rock, Donington Park, next to East Midland Airport located in a spot where Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire come to meet, with this years landing on the 8th of June running through to the 11th of June.

The headliners will be accompanied by a number of respected bands such as Evanescence, Parkway Drive, Disturbed, Alexisonfire, Ghost, The Distillers, Architects, I Prevail, The Blackout, Motionless In White, Placebo, Fever 333, Municipal Waste and a great selection more.

It is clear the bands contain a special spot for the festival. This is notable as Slipknot turntablist mentioned: “Download Festival! So many great memories, one of the most amazing crowds to play in front of, always an honour to share the bill with so many amazing bands, and of course, I’ll never miss the opportunity to play my homeland.” 

As well as a heartfelt Metallica stating : “We are next-level honoured to once again come back and partake in the Download shenanigans on the hallowed grounds of Castle Donington, which has an unparalleled place in rock history. On top of that, to be able to share our double show format with two completely unique sets with no repeat songs for the first time ever in the UK is way fuckin’ cool. Bring it on!!”

Tickets are on sale here.