Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” Raises More Money Than Any Charity Concert Ever
In a moment that has rocked not only the music world but also the realm of global philanthropy, Back to the Beginning—the monumental farewell concert from Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath—has officially become the most successful charity concert in history.
Held on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, the all-day event drew fans from every corner of the globe. Now, just weeks after the historic night, musical director Tom Morello has confirmed via social media that the concert raised a staggering $190 million for charity. The funds will benefit several crucial causes, including Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Acorn Children’s Hospice, and Cure Parkinson’s.
To put that figure into perspective: the combined totals of iconic charity events like Farm Aid and FireAid—two of the most impactful concerts in modern history—fall short of the sum raised by Back to the Beginning. According to Billboard, this cements the Villa Park event as the highest-earning benefit concert of all time.
“This wasn’t just a concert—it was a mission,” Morello wrote in his post. “Ozzy and Sabbath wanted to give back to the city that raised them and to causes that touch so many lives. What we witnessed was not just musical history but human generosity at its finest.”
The incredible figure was made possible through a combination of ticket sales, livestream donations, exclusive merchandise, and sponsorships. Fans were able to contribute from around the world, whether they were standing in the crowd at Villa Park or watching from home. The event saw a unique blend of legacy rock legends, modern artists, and special guests come together to pay tribute to Ozzy’s final live performance—and to do some good in the process.
From the very beginning, the goal of Back to the Beginning extended beyond the stage. Ozzy Osbourne, who has battled health issues in recent years, has been a longtime advocate for both children’s causes and Parkinson’s research. The decision to split the proceeds between local hospitals and disease research made the event deeply personal and profoundly impactful.
“This night was about healing,” said Sharon Osbourne in an emotional backstage interview. “Not just for Ozzy, not just for Birmingham, but for everyone who has been touched by illness, by struggle, or by loss. Music can do that—it can heal. And tonight, it truly did.”
The legacy of Back to the Beginning will live on through both its upcoming feature-length concert film (Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow, set for theatrical release in 2026) and the real-world change it has brought to those in need.
As Tom Morello concluded, “This was heavy metal with a heavy heart—and now it’s heavy with hope.”
Indeed, the godfathers of metal have proven once again that their greatest power lies not just in their music, but in their humanity.
