Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne was a record-breaker: both literally and figuratively. Before his passing, Ozzy made one last mark on music history. His farewell performance with Black Sabbath, titled “Back to the Beginning,” turned out to be a record-breaking charity concert.
Held on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, the event raised $190 million, as reported by Billboard.
This feat makes it the most successful benefit concert since George Harrison’s 1971 Concert for Bangladesh.
Proceeds Support Causes Close to Ozzy’s Heart
The proceeds from the all-day event were donated to three organizations: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. Each cause held personal significance for Osbourne, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019.
Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, who served as the show’s musical director, shared his gratitude in a heartfelt Instagram tribute. “We set out to not just create the greatest day in the history of heavy metal,” he wrote.
“THANKYOU @ozzyosbourne for trusting me… It was over a year of hard work, but heavy metal was the music that made me love music, and it was a labor of love.”
Morello added, “We raised a ton of money for a great cause, and so many great musicians & bands & fans all over the world paid tribute to the ALL TIME greats.”
In addition to the $190 million raised during the concert, the supported charities received more through raffles, art auctions, and fan donations. Black Sabbath memorabilia and event exclusives were sold, with proceeds going directly to the cause.
Ozzy’s Goodbye For Fans: Global Audience Showed Up For Black Sabbath Reunion
The concert marked the first Black Sabbath reunion in 20 years. It drew 40,000 fans in person and reached another 5.8 million via livestream, a powerful send-off for the legendary frontman. “It’s my time to go back to the beginning… time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” Osbourne said earlier this year when announcing the concert.
A Final Farewell to the Prince of Darkness
(Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)Osbourne died on July 24 at the age of 76 after suffering a heart attack. He will be laid to rest at his Birmingham home. In the days leading up to the funeral, fans have gathered across the city to honor the music legend, transforming Birmingham into a living tribute to his legacy.
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Record-Breaking Farewell: Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Black Sabbath Show Raised $190 Million for Charity