Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Concert Raised $175 Million for Charity
Ozzy Osbourne died less than three weeks after his final performance. The rock legend’s last show, a planned event that brought together original Black Sabbath band members in the location where they first dreamed of rock stardom, was an emotional one. It also cemented Osbourne’s legacy. His final performance, as riveting as it was, highlighted how sick he had become. It also ensured he would leave the world with one final philanthropic effort. Back to the Beginning raised $175 million for charities.
Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert is the highest-grossing charity concert of all time
Ozzy Osbourne’s death at the age of 76 sent the rock world into mourning, but the legend’s death, days after performing a farewell show, feels oddly poetic. Osbourne didn’t just perform for the sake of a final performance; he did so for charity. According to Billboard, Back to the Beginning is officially the highest-grossing charity concert ever performed. The event, held at Villa Park in Birmingham, was televised as a live stream and brought in $175 million for charity. The concert supported several charities, including Cure Parkinson’s. Osbourne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019.
The event didn’t just aid a Parkinson’s Charity. Proceeds also went to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice. Acorns released a statement following the death of Osbourne. The charity praised him for his generosity and his dedication to the area that “shaped” him. The care facility wrote, “For us at Acorns, his generosity and compassion will never be forgotten. His decision to support Acorns during their unforgettable Back to the Beginning show at Villa Park was a moment of pure magic. It was a tribute not only to their extraordinary musical journey, but to the community that shaped them.”
Ozzy Osbourne had a history of philanthropic work
Ozzy Osbourne, along with his wife, Sharon Osbourne, has long supported charitable causes that are close to their hearts. The Osbournes founded the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program. The program, founded after Sharon Osbourne’s own battle with the disease, aims to help families navigating a colon cancer diagnosis. The program offers childcare, transportation, financial assistance, and support groups.
The Osbournes have also supported Road Recovery, a youth-focused addiction recovery program. The program focuses on helping young adults battling addiction develop life skills and find a new path. Ozzy Osbourne had a well-documented addiction journey.
There are no details on a planned memorial for the Black Sabbath frontman at this time.
