Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Back to the Beginning’ Concert Raises £140 Million for Charity
In a triumphant celebration of music, legacy, and community spirit, Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne’s monumental Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park has raised an astonishing £140 million ($190 million) for local charities, marking it as one of the most successful charity concerts in rock history.
The once-in-a-lifetime event, held at the iconic Villa Park in Birmingham—the city where it all began—was a spectacular homecoming for the godfathers of heavy metal. The concert not only brought back the thunderous riffs and dark energy that made Black Sabbath legendary, but also united fans worldwide for a noble cause.
The staggering fundraising figure was proudly revealed by none other than Tom Morello, famed guitarist of Rage Against the Machine, who served as the musical director for the night and performed as part of Supergroup B, a special ensemble of rock titans assembled specifically for this show.
Taking to social media following the show, Morello shared the breathtaking success of the concert with fans across the globe:
“More than 190 million dollars will be donated to houses and hospitals for children,” he wrote, his words echoing the profound impact of the event.
“Thank you, Ozzy Osbourne, for trusting me to be the musical director of the Back To The Beginning show. It was over a year of hard work, but heavy metal was the music that made me love music, and it was a labour of love.
We raised a ton of money for a great cause, and so many great musicians and bands fans all over the world paid tribute to the all-time greats.”
A Night of Magic and Metal
The concert itself was nothing short of historic. With a carefully curated setlist spanning Sabbath’s greatest hits and Ozzy’s iconic solo anthems, the evening carried an electrifying energy that shook Villa Park to its core. From the ominous opening notes of “Black Sabbath” to the timeless power of “Paranoid,” every song was delivered with the kind of passion and power that only true legends can muster.
Tom Morello’s Supergroup B featured an astonishing roster of guests, including members of Metallica, Foo Fighters, Judas Priest, and even Queen’s Brian May. Together, they celebrated the monumental legacy of Black Sabbath, with Ozzy himself taking center stage for a spine-tingling finale that saw the entire stadium singing along in unison.
Supporting Vital Causes
What truly elevated Back to the Beginning beyond the realms of a mere concert was its unwavering focus on charity. The £140 million raised will be divided among three deeply meaningful charities:
- Acorns Children’s Hospice: Providing vital care for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families across the Midlands.
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital: A leading specialist pediatric center, offering expert care to thousands of children every year.
- Cure Parkinson’s: A globally recognized charity funding groundbreaking research to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
The choice of these charities holds personal significance. Ozzy Osbourne has openly battled Parkinson’s disease in recent years, making Cure Parkinson’s an especially meaningful recipient of the funds. Meanwhile, both Acorns and Birmingham Children’s Hospital are beloved institutions in Birmingham, supporting local families through some of life’s toughest challenges.
Ozzy’s Message to Fans
Following the concert, Ozzy Osbourne issued a heartfelt statement, thanking everyone who contributed to the event’s overwhelming success:
“This night was all about giving back to the city that gave us everything. Birmingham has always been home for me and the lads, and to be able to raise this much for these incredible charities is beyond anything I could have imagined.”
“Thank you to every fan who bought a ticket, every musician who took the stage, and everyone who worked behind the scenes. You’ve made this old man very proud.”
A Year in the Making
The success of Back to the Beginning didn’t happen overnight. Tom Morello revealed that the show had been in planning for over a year, with countless hours dedicated to coordinating the performances, logistics, and fundraising campaigns.
Morello praised the unity and passion of the rock community, calling it a “labour of love” and a testament to the power of music to bring people together for good.
Fans from across the globe attended the show, with millions more tuning in via livestreams and special broadcasts, all contributing to the monumental donation total.
An Unforgettable Legacy
As the final notes rang out over Villa Park, it became clear that Back to the Beginning was more than a farewell—it was a celebration of everything Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne have stood for across decades of music: resilience, rebellion, and above all, heart.
The success of the concert not only cements their musical legacy but also leaves a lasting mark on the Birmingham community they’ve always called home.
With £140 million now set to transform the lives of children and families in need, Ozzy and Black Sabbath have proven once again that their greatest legacy may not only be found in the riffs—but in their generosity and enduring connection to their roots.
