Sharon Osbourne Debunks “Ridiculous” $190 Million Charity Claim from Final Black Sabbath Show

Sharon Osbourne sets the record straight on the rumored $190 million raised by Black Sabbath’s farewell concert for charity.

Revisiting a Legendary Farewell Concert

If you were anywhere near the music world in early July 2025, you probably heard about the legendary Black Sabbath “Back To The Beginning” farewell show at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5. This concert wasn’t just another gig; it was the closing chapter for one of heavy metal’s most iconic bands. Fans and rock historians alike felt the weight of the moment—especially with Ozzy Osbourne’s passing just weeks later on July 22. This final performance was a poignant farewell wrapped in decades of unforgettable music.

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, forever rock royalty.

The $190 Million Charity Buzz: Truth or Tall Tale?

Shortly after the farewell event, the story broke: Tom Morello, the legendary guitarist from Rage Against The Machine and the show's musical director, posted on Instagram that the show had raised “more than $190 million” for charity. The funds were said to be split evenly among Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. Naturally, fans and media exploded with excitement over this jaw-dropping figure.

But when it comes to numbers that massive, skepticism is healthy—and Sharon Osbourne herself couldn’t hold back her disbelief.

Sharon Osbourne’s Reality Check

In a recent Pollstar interview conducted just days before Ozzy’s death, Sharon Osbourne addressed this swirling rumor head-on, calling the reported figures “ridiculous.”

“I’m really happy that we are talking, because one of the things that’s frightening me is all this false press about [how] we’ve made $140 million and all of this, and I’m like, ‘God, I wish we could have, for one gig,’” Sharon said.

She continued, shaking her head at the wildly varying numbers splashed across the internet:

“It’s just ridiculous, the different stories. I went on the internet the next morning and it was like, $140 million, $160 million. And I’m like, ‘Where does this stuff come from?’ And people like Billboard have printed it.”

When pressed about the $190 million claim specifically, she replied sharply,

“Oh, $190 million? Thank you, Billboard, for getting it wrong. Just ridiculous. It takes a really long time [to calculate], because we’ve had all of the bands that we had come in and their expenses, and it’ll take a good six weeks to get the final number. Because we’re selling merch for another two weeks from the gig. So, we’ve got another two weeks of sales yet to add to it. It’ll be another four weeks and it’ll be done.”

Translation? This legendary night was still tallying up its total impact, but $190 million? Not so fast.

Ozzy Osbourne shines at the 'Back To The Beginning' farewell concert. CREDIT: Ross Halfin

The Emotional Weight of Farewell

Numbers aside, Sharon shared a touching insight about Ozzy’s state of mind after the concert. He was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from fans:

“He turned around and he said to me that night, ‘I had no idea that so many people liked me’. Ozzy’s always been in his own bubble.”

For fans, that’s a beautifully human moment. The man known as the Prince of Darkness, who defined heavy metal’s wild side, was deeply moved by the warmth of thousands of fans gathered to say goodbye.

Furthermore, Ozzy’s reunion with original drummer Bill Ward was a special highlight:

“For Ozzy to play with Bill [Ward] again, he was very, very emotional about that. It was a huge success, because it was a phenomenal event. It was the first time, I think, that anybody’s gone into retirement and done it, where the show is streamed and it goes to charity. So it’s the first time anybody has said goodnight like that, it’s the perfect way, when you’ve had such a long career, to end it.”

The Classic Lineup’s Final Bow

For those who might have missed it, this concert marked the first time the full classic Black Sabbath lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—played together since 2005. The band delivered a tight, four-song set of their most legendary hits. Ozzy told the crowd as he closed:

“It’s the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

That moment, raw and genuine, felt like a true farewell, steeped in decades of musical history.

Looking Ahead: Documentaries and Biopics

While the band’s final notes have been played, Ozzy Osbourne’s story isn’t over. An intimate documentary titled Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home is set to premiere on BBC One and iPlayer on August 18. Filmed over his last three years, it promises a heartfelt glimpse into his final chapter, featuring contributions from family and close friends.

Moreover, fans eager for more will be excited to hear that a biopic about Ozzy and Sharon’s lives remains in development at Sony Pictures, with director negotiations underway. This project was first announced back in 2021, and it’s sure to offer a cinematic tribute to one of rock’s most fascinating couples.

Wrapping Up the Final Act

So, while the $190 million charity figure might have been a bit too optimistic, what remains undeniable is the legacy of Black Sabbath’s farewell. The impact of that night goes far beyond dollar signs—it was a celebration of a groundbreaking career, a heartfelt goodbye, and a shared moment between legends and their fans.

What do you think—does the magic of that final Black Sabbath show lie more in the memories it created than the money it raised?

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much money did the final Black Sabbath show raise for charity?
  The exact total is still being calculated, but it is nowhere near the rumored $190 million. The final number will be confirmed after all expenses and merchandise sales are tallied.
• Which charities benefited from the Black Sabbath farewell concert?
  The funds are planned to be distributed equally among Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
• When was the last time the classic Black Sabbath lineup played together before the farewell show?
  The full original lineup last performed together in 2005.
• Is there a documentary about Ozzy Osbourne’s final years?
  Yes, Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home will air on BBC One and iPlayer on August 18, offering an intimate look at his last chapter.
• Will there be a movie about Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne?
  A biopic is in the works at Sony Pictures, with director talks ongoing. The project was initially announced in 2021.

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