Sharon Osbourne Denies Inflated Charity Figures from Ozzy’s Farewell Concert

Background on the Concert

On July 5, 2023, the highly anticipated farewell concert titled “Back To The Beginning” took place at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK. This event was not only a tribute to the legacy of Black Sabbath but also served as a poignant farewell performance by Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away just weeks later on July 22. The concert was celebrated as a heartfelt conclusion to the career of the metal icon.

Media Claims of Charitable Earnings

Following the concert, numerous media outlets reported that the event had raised nearly $200 million for charity. These claims sparked widespread attention and excitement, but Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and manager, has come forward to refute these assertions.

Sharon Osbourne’s Response

In a July 17 interview with Pollstar, Sharon expressed her dismay over the exaggerated figures circulating in the media. She described the claims as “highly exaggerated and misleading,” emphasizing that they do not reflect the reality of the situation.

“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 stated. She further expressed confusion over where these inflated numbers originated, noting that she saw them proliferate online almost immediately after the concert.

The Source of the Misunderstanding

The inflated figure reportedly stemmed from a now-deleted Instagram post by Tom Morello, the concert’s musical director, who initially claimed that the event had generated around $190 million for charity. Major publications like Billboard and The Guardian picked up these numbers, suggesting that nearly 6 million viewers had participated in the pay-per-view livestream, contributing to a projected $150 million in revenue.

Clarifying the Financials

Sharon explained that the final amount raised for charity cannot be confirmed immediately. “It takes a really long time [to arrive at the final number that will be donated to charity], 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,” she clarified, addressing the timeline involved in calculating the actual proceeds.

The Impact of Misleading Figures

Sharon voiced concern over the potential implications of these exaggerated claims, particularly for the charities set to benefit from the concert’s proceeds. “Oh my God! It’s the Children’s Hospital, a children’s hospice, and Parkinson’s research. Everybody thinks that they’re going to cure everything with this much money, but it’s not the real world,” she lamented.

The Concert’s Emotional Significance

Despite the confusion surrounding the financial aspects, Sharon highlighted the concert’s emotional and symbolic success. Featuring rare performances by Ozzy and appearances from iconic bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and Tool, the event was deemed a historic milestone.

“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,” she noted. “I never wanted Ozzy to just disappear without some big event.”

Conclusion

While the financial figures reported in the media surrounding Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert may be inflated, the event itself marked a significant moment in rock history, celebrating the legacy of an icon. Sharon Osbourne’s clarifications serve as a reminder of the importance of accurate reporting, especially when it comes to charitable endeavors that aim to make a difference.

FAQs

What was the purpose of the concert “Back To The Beginning”?

The concert served as a farewell performance for Ozzy Osbourne and a tribute to the legacy of Black Sabbath.

Did the concert actually raise $200 million for charity?

No, Sharon Osbourne has denied claims that the concert raised nearly $200 million, describing those figures as exaggerated and misleading.

How long will it take to determine the final amount raised for charity?

Sharon mentioned that it could take up to six weeks to arrive at the final number due to expenses incurred by the participating bands.

Which charities were expected to benefit from the concert?

The proceeds from the concert were intended to support Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Acorn Children’s Hospice, and Cure Parkinson’s.