Call for Papers: Metal Music Studies “Dialogues”

With the passing of Ozzy Osbourne earlier this year, the journal Metal Music Studies is announcing a new “Dialogues” series of short articles for publication in Vol. 12/3, Summer 2026. We are seeking 5-7 articles of 1500-3000 words each that will critically discuss the legacy of Osbourne, Black Sabbath, and his other musical and media endeavors. Articles might consider a variety of different threads related to Osbourne’s life, career, and legacy, including but not limited to:

–   Aging in the music industry

–   Music and disability

–   Drug abuse and recovery

–   Performance and vocal technique

–   Music tourism and pilgrimage

– Metal and socioeconomic identity

– Ozzfest and metal festivals

–   Metal hagiography

–   Metal, MTV, and reality television

– Tributes and parodies  

–   Metal origin stories

Please send 250-word abstracts to ross.hagen@uvu.edu and edwardbanchs@gmail.com by Nov. 30. First drafts of selected articles will be due on April 30, 2026.