The recent details surrounding Black Sabbath’s farewell concert have sparked confusion regarding whether the event set a new fundraising record for charitable contributions, contrary to earlier reports that suggested it did.

Celebrating the Legacy: Back to the Beginning Event Breaks New Ground

The event titled Back to the Beginning, held in Birmingham, England, on July 5, was promoted as the final live performance of Ozzy Osbourne and his legendary band Black Sabbath. Tragically, Osbourne passed away just weeks later on July 22 at the age of 76, marking a poignant end to an era in rock music.

This all-day extravaganza featured performances from iconic rock and metal bands such as Metallica, Slayer, and Guns N' Roses, serving not only as a farewell concert but also as a significant fundraising initiative for charities, including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.

On July 15, Billboard reported that Back to the Beginning raised an astounding $190 million for these charitable causes, potentially making it the highest-grossing charity concert of all time, surpassing historic events like 1985’s Live Aid and January’s Fire Aid.

However, doubts have begun to emerge about the accuracy of this figure.

Sharon Osbourne Challenges the Accuracy of Fundraising Claims

In a recent interview, Sharon Osbourne cast skepticism on Billboard‘s claims that Back to the Beginning set a new fundraising record, suggesting that the reported figures may not be entirely accurate.

Pollstar conducted an interview with Sharon on July 17, just five days before her husband Ozzy’s passing. This interview was published shortly after, raising further questions about the reported earnings.

READ MORE: What Happened To The Flowers And Artwork Fans Left In Memory Of Ozzy

“I’m really glad we’re discussing this because I find it alarming that there is so much misleading press regarding our earnings. To hear we raised $140 million is laughable; I wish that were true, but it’s simply absurd,” Sharon expressed, noting the discrepancies in reported figures.

The interviewer pointed out that Billboard had initially reported the total as $190 million, a number Sharon later described as “ridiculous” and far from the truth.

What Are the Origins of the $190 Million Figure?

Multiple outlets, including Billboard and Loudwire, reported the $190 million figure attributed to Back to the Beginning, which was initially mentioned in an Instagram post by Tom Morello, who played a key role as the music curator for the event.

However, Consequence has pointed out that Morello subsequently edited the post, removing any reference to the total amount raised during the concert.

During her interview with Pollstar, Sharon indicated that it would take at least six weeks to determine the exact final amount raised from the concert, which she still regarded as a “huge success.” She emphasized the importance of the funds raised for crucial causes: “This is for the Children’s Hospital, a children’s hospice, and Parkinson’s research. While people think such a large sum will solve all problems, the reality is much more complex,” she stated thoughtfully.

For fans who were unable to attend Back to the Beginning on July 5, a feature-length concert film documenting this significant event is scheduled for release in 2026, allowing everyone to experience the magic of that day.