Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Concert Raises Record-Breaking $190M for Charity
The Farewell Show Brought Together Metal Legends and Fans Worldwide for One Last Tribute to the ‘Prince of Darkness’
Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert, Back to the Beginning, held on July 5 in Birmingham, U.K., turned into one of the most remarkable events in music history. The charity event not only marked the end of the legendary rocker’s performance career but also raised an astounding $190 million for several causes close to his heart.
The sold-out farewell show was streamed live to over 5.8 million people globally and featured an all-star lineup of rock and metal legends. It brought together bands like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Lamb of God, Alice In Chains, and more, alongside Osbourne and his original Black Sabbath bandmates—Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward.
The concert’s proceeds will support Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. According to Billboard, it was the highest-grossing charity concert ever.
Emotional Moments and Star-Studded Performances
The ten-hour concert was full of emotional tributes and memorable performances. Osbourne, seated on a throne due to declining health, sang with the original Black Sabbath lineup in what many called the most touching moment in heavy metal history.
Ozzy’s final solo rendition of “Mama I’m Coming Home” deeply touched fans worldwide, with many describing it as the most emotional performance in metal history.
Tom Morello, guitarist of Rage Against the Machine and musical director of the event, wrote on Instagram: “We set out to not just create the greatest day in the history of heavy metal. 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.”
The stage design featured rotating acts and collaborations, described by The Independent as a “Lazy Susan of metal history.” Each band performed Sabbath covers or their own tributes, with a sense of humility and unity that resonated with the audience.
A Powerful Legacy, Even in Declining Health
Ozzy Osbourne had battled serious health issues for years, including Parkinson’s disease, a spinal injury from a 2003 ATV accident, and recent surgeries. Despite these obstacles, he stayed determined to deliver one last performance for his fans.
The Back to the Beginning concert was the realization of that promise—a final act of love for his fans and a powerful farewell. Just weeks later, Osbourne passed away at age 76, leaving behind a legacy of music, defiance, and generosity.
Fans and critics alike have hailed the concert as one of the most moving and important events in metal history. As one fan summed it up on social media: One fan remarked on social media that Ozzy had passed away just weeks after hosting the highest-grossing charity concert ever, calling it the most legendary way to say goodbye.
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