Black Sabbath Farewell Show Raises $140 Million for Charity as Ozzy Osbourne Set to Be Honored with Statue in Birmingham
In an unforgettable night that marked the end of an era, Black Sabbath’s farewell concert, held on Saturday in Birmingham, raised an astonishing $140 million for global and local charities. The emotional “Back to the Beginning” performance not only paid tribute to the band’s roots but also turned into a powerful humanitarian effort, with all proceeds directed toward causes including cancer research, music education, and homelessness relief in the UK and abroad.
Fronted by the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, the original lineup — including Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler — delivered a thunderous final set to over 60,000 fans at the sold-out Birmingham Arena. The crowd roared as classics like “Iron Man,” “Paranoid,” and “War Pigs” echoed through the venue one last time, wrapping up more than five decades of heavy metal dominance.
As a monumental thank you, Birmingham City Council announced during the show that a life-sized statue of Ozzy Osbourne will be erected in the heart of the city later this year. The bronze sculpture will stand in Centenary Square, symbolizing Ozzy’s enduring influence on music and his role in putting Birmingham on the global rock map.
“It’s an unbelievable honor,” Ozzy said emotionally. “This city made me who I am. To end it here and give something back is everything.”
The event drew tributes from fellow rock legends and fans worldwide, many calling it one of the greatest farewells in music history. More than just a final bow, Black Sabbath’s last stand was a masterclass in giving back, proving that the true spirit of metal is as much about heart as it is about sound.