THE BEAST

August 20, 2025 – The Prince of Darkness went out with a roar heard around the world. According to BBC News, BLACK SABBATH’s farewell concert, Back To The Beginning, brought in a staggering £33.8 million (approximately $45.5 million), with nearly £27.6 million ($37 million) staying in the West Midlands, the region where Ozzy’s legacy was born.

The monumental show took place at Birmingham’s Villa Park in July, drawing 42,000 fans, including thousands of international visitors who paid ticket prices ranging from £197.50 to £834. It was more than just a concert — it was a cultural event cementing Osbourne’s legacy in his hometown.

Dr. Matt Lyons of the University of Birmingham, who conducted an economic analysis of the event, summed it up best:
"The impact of the Prince Of Darkness obviously goes far beyond the financial impact his gigs and TV shows have netted. Ozzy is a global legend, and his gift of incredible music, and now his final economic impact, will go on to benefit his home city far into the future."

Clearing the Air on Wild Numbers

In the days following the show, conflicting reports ran rampant. Some outlets, including Billboard and The Guardian, claimed that Back To The Beginning had raised as much as $190 million once pay-per-view figures were included. Guitarist Tom Morello even hinted on Instagram that upwards of $190 million might go to charity.

But Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and longtime manager, quickly set the record straight. Speaking to Pollstar on July 17 — just five days before Ozzy’s death — she called those numbers “ridiculous.”

"One of the things that's frightening me is all this false press about how we’ve made $140 million or $160 million. God, I wish we could have, for one gig. It takes a really long time to arrive at the final number… it’ll take a good six weeks to get the final figure."

Sharon emphasized that the concert was still a massive success, both musically and charitably, noting that proceeds would benefit Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Acorn Children’s Hospice, and Cure Parkinson’s.

A Night to Remember

The lineup was historic. Alongside Ozzy’s solo performance, fans witnessed appearances by Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, and more — all paying tribute to the godfather of heavy metal.

Ozzy’s solo set was packed with classics:

I Don’t Know

Mr. Crowley

Suicide Solution

Crazy Train

Mama, I’m Coming Home

Then came the moment fans had dreamed of — the original BLACK SABBATH lineup (Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward) reunited for four thunderous songs: War Pigs, Iron Man, N.I.B., and Paranoid.

The 76-year-old frontman, visibly emotional and seated on a black throne, thanked the crowd:
"You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

When the final notes of Paranoid rang out, Ozzy told the audience:
"It’s the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

The night ended with fireworks over Villa Park and a message across the screens:
“Thank you for everything, you guys are fucking amazing. Birmingham Forever.”

The End of an Era

Ozzy Osbourne passed away just weeks later on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. His death certificate confirmed he died of a heart attack, with underlying coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s.

The timing of his farewell couldn’t have been more poignant. What began in Birmingham more than 50 years ago with Black Sabbath ended in Birmingham, with the same four men who changed the sound of music forever.

The final tally may not have reached the exaggerated $190 million some headlines shouted, but the $45.5 million raised and the ripple effect it will have on Birmingham is monumental. More importantly, Ozzy got the sendoff he deserved: loud, emotional, and unforgettable.

As Sharon put it:
"It was the perfect way, when you’ve had such a long career, to end it. I never wanted Ozzy to just disappear without some big event."

And now, with the final curtain closed, the legacy of the Prince of Darkness lives on — in music, in memory, and in the city he called home.