Jack Osbourne Reveals the Real Charity Amount Raised by ‘Back To The Beginning’ Concert

Jack Osbourne sets the record straight on the actual charity funds raised by Black Sabbath’s final show, debunking the exaggerated claims.

When Black Sabbath’s final-ever concert, Back To The Beginning, rocked Villa Park in Birmingham last July, fans worldwide held their breath. It was an iconic farewell, especially with Ozzy Osbourne’s passing just weeks later. But amidst all the emotions and celebrations, a staggering claim about the charity money raised sparked much buzz—one that Jack Osbourne has now thoroughly debunked.

The Final Curtain and the Charity Buzz

The Back To The Beginning concert was meant to be a grand finale—uniting the classic Sabbath lineup of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for the first time since 2005. The show itself was a streamlined, powerful four-song set of their timeless classics. Ozzy’s heartfelt words echoed through the crowd: “It’s the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

As the curtain fell, excitement swirled—not just about the end of an era, but about the charity money reportedly raised. Tom Morello, the guitarist of Rage Against The Machine and the concert’s musical director, posted on Instagram that the event had raised “more than $190 million” for three charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice.

But this jaw-dropping figure was soon questioned.

From Headlines to Reality: Busting the $190 Million Myth

In the days following Morello’s grand claim, Sharon Osbourne didn’t hold back. She called the $190 million number “ridiculous,” asking, “where does this stuff come from?” This sentiment was echoed by her son Jack Osbourne during a candid chat on the Painful Lessons podcast.

Jack pulled no punches, stating bluntly: “The number was complete bullshit.” He explained the reality with a dose of skepticism for media hype: “This is how you know the news is probably 90% bullshit, ’cause it was, like, CNN and New York Times was saying ‘Ozzy raised $150 million.’ And it wasn’t that.”

His explanation offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse:

• The concert was a charity gig, but expenses for the event still had to be covered.
• No bands received payment, and most crew members donated their time.
• After all costs, the funds were split almost evenly among the three charities.

Jack estimates that each charity received around one and a half to two million pounds, totaling roughly six or seven million pounds in donations.

“We would’ve loved it if it was hundreds of millions. We would have been, like, ‘Fuck yeah.’” — Jack Osbourne

Sharon Osbourne’s Take on the True Figures

Adding to the clarity, Sharon Osbourne revealed in a November episode of The Osbournes podcast that the actual amount raised hovered around $11 million (about £8.24 million). This figure aligns closely with Jack’s insight and paints a more realistic picture of the event’s financial impact.

She also emphasized the generosity behind the scenes:

“We paid the cost of bringing everybody in, everybody out, accommodation, everything. No one got paid. Nobody asked for a penny. They gave their time, their efforts, everything for free. People were just, oh God, so generous.” — Sharon Osbourne

Remembering the Lineup and the Legacy

Back To The Beginning wasn’t just a concert; it was a moment steeped in nostalgia and reverence. Reuniting the legendary quartet after nearly 15 years was a dream come true for fans and the band alike. The stripped-back setlist showcased Sabbath’s enduring power, closing the chapter on an unparalleled journey in rock history.

Continuing the Osbourne Legacy

In the aftermath of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, Jack Osbourne has shared touching insights about his father’s spiritual presence. He mentioned how Ozzy visits family members in dreams, gently telling them to “stop fucking crying,” a bittersweet comfort amid grief.

Meanwhile, the music world continues to reflect on Ozzy’s impact, from heartfelt tributes to controversial comments, illustrating the complex legacy of rock’s Prince of Darkness.

Wrapping Up the True Story Behind the Charity Concert

So, while the headlines shouted nearly $200 million raised for charity, the truth is more grounded yet still impressive—about $11 million donated thanks to the generosity of the band, crew, and fans. It’s a reminder that behind the glitz and grandeur, real people and real efforts made a tangible difference.

What do you think about the disparity between the reported and actual figures? Does it change how you see the Back To The Beginning concert and its legacy?

FAQ

• How much money was actually raised by the 'Back To The Beginning' concert?
  Approximately $11 million (around £8.24 million) was raised and donated to three charities.
• Which charities benefited from the concert?
  Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice were the recipients.
• Did the musicians and crew get paid for the event?
  No, all bands waived payment, and most crew members donated their time.
• Why did initial reports claim nearly $200 million was raised?
  The early figures were exaggerated, possibly due to miscommunication or optimistic reporting.
• Was this the last time the original Black Sabbath lineup played together?
  Yes, it was the first time since 2005 that the classic lineup reunited, and it marked their final performance.

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