**Rocker Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath Raise Millions for Charity in Emotional Final Concert**
*Birmingham, UK — July 7, 2025* — In a night charged with emotion, nostalgia, and thunderous riffs, legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne and his former bandmates from Black Sabbath took the stage one last time for a historic final concert titled *“Back to the Beginning.”* Held at the Utilita Arena in their hometown of Birmingham, the event marked not only the end of an era but a powerful act of giving, as proceeds from the sold-out show raised over £12 million for three prominent British charities.
More than 20,000 fans from across the globe descended on Birmingham over the weekend to witness what has been billed as Black Sabbath’s ultimate farewell. The band, which originally formed in the same city over five decades ago, reunited for this singular performance, capping off a legacy that helped define heavy metal.
The one-night-only event saw original members Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler take the stage together for the first time in nearly a decade. Although founding drummer Bill Ward was absent due to health issues, session drummer Tommy Clufetos filled in seamlessly, delivering the iconic Sabbath thunder with precision and power.
The setlist took fans on a journey through the band’s most iconic tracks, including *“Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” “War Pigs,”* and *“Black Sabbath.”* Osbourne, 76, defied expectations with a powerful vocal performance, energizing the crowd with his signature antics, including a memorable moment when he doused the front rows with a giant bucket of water mid-song.
“This is where it all started,” Osbourne said during an emotional pause between songs. “And tonight, we give it back. This is for Birmingham — and for everyone who’s stood by us all these years.”
Proceeds from *Back to the Beginning* will be donated to three British charities close to the band’s heart: the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, the Prince’s Trust, and the mental health organization Mind. Representatives from each group were present at the concert and appeared visibly moved by the gesture and the overwhelming response.
Tony Iommi, who spearheaded the charity partnership, spoke backstage about the band’s decision to make their final performance a philanthropic one. “We knew this had to be more than just a concert. It had to mean something. Giving back to the city that gave us everything felt like the only fitting way to say goodbye.”
Fans, many of whom queued for hours to get inside the arena, described the experience as both exhilarating and bittersweet. “It’s the end of a chapter,” said Leila Jennings, a fan from Manchester. “But what a way to go out — with love, fire, and purpose.”
A documentary of the event, also titled *“Back to the Beginning,”* is currently in post-production and is expected to premiere on streaming platforms later this year. All additional proceeds from the film’s release will be directed toward the same three charities.
While the curtain may have finally fallen on Black Sabbath’s live performances, the legacy of their music — and now, their generosity — will continue to resonate. As Ozzy Osbourne himself declared during the final encore: “We started with a bang, and now we end with a gift. Thank you, and goodnight!”
*Reported by Hannah Clarke, The Sound Post*
